Lai Mohammed: How Fake News Nearly Ruined My 40-Year Marriage

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, revealed that a false report claiming $1.9 billion was paid into his bank account nearly ruined his 40-year marriage.

Mohammed shared this experience on Thursday in Ogun State at an event titled “A Day with Alhaji Lai Mohammed,” organized by the Mass Communication Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University. He urged Nigerians to join the fight against fake news, emphasizing that its impact can only be fully understood by those who have been victimized.

He recounted how, following the fake report, his wife woke him at midnight, insisting on becoming a signatory to his bank account to prepare for any eventuality.

Mohammed said, “The menace of fake news is a threat that we must all tackle. It nearly cost me my 40-year marriage. While in government, a false report claimed I had $1.9 billion in my bank account, and unfortunately, many people, including my wife, believed it.

“One night, my wife woke me up and said in Yoruba, ‘Daddy,’ and I replied, ‘Yes, what is it?’ She said, ‘We all know that death can come at any time. We may hope it won’t be soon, but it might be. Whatever happens, it would be wise if you made me a signatory to your bank account to prepare for any eventuality.’”

The former Minister added that even his friends and many others began asking him for money after hearing the fake report.