IN SHORT: A series of Facebook posts claim that the popular Nigerian actor is dying of cancer. But this is false, and appears to be an attempt to make money from the gossip mill.
Posts published on Facebook in Nigeria claim that one of Nigeria's most popular actors has been diagnosed with cancer.
The caption to one, which appears to be a link to a website, reads: “Super actress Mercy Johnson has confirmed that she was diagnosed with cancer, this morning, We pray that God Heal Her. Please if you have a good heart Drop a prayer for her. Kindly type GÉT WELL SÔON.”
Mercy Johnson Okojie is a Nigerian actor, producer and director. Her films include Battle on Buka Street (2022), The Legend of Inikpi (2020) and Weeping Soul (2011).
The link includes what appears to be a screenshot from a video, showing a collage of photos of Okojie, and the claim that Okojie is not only ill with cancer, but “dying”.
This link was also posted here, here, here, here, here and here.
But is this news about the actor true?
Clickbait for money
The link shared on Facebook does not lead to an article or video with more details about Okojie’s health. Instead, it directed us to a page with a QR code and the instruction “Scan to download the app”.
The link appears to be clickbait, possibly to generate advertising revenue or payments from downloading the app.
On 14 January 2023, Okojie posted a video saying she didn't have cancer, but had had a cancer scare.
However, the Facebook posts falsely claiming otherwise – and possibly making money from the lie – are still circulating months later.
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