Donald Trump’s election victory has sparked mixed reactions globally. In Nigeria, a separatist group hopes it will lead to the release of their detained leader. A viral video on X claims that the US president-elect has set a deadline for the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). However, this claim is misleading, as the video’s audio has been digitally altered. The original footage is from Trump’s victory speech following the 2024 US election.
On November 15, 2024, an X account posted a video with the caption: “U.S President Donald Trump gives Nigeria government till 31st November 2024 to immediately release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or face the consequences!” The video has been shared nearly 900 times and is from an account focused on Biafra-related content.
The video starts with a woman repeating the claim in the caption, followed by Trump addressing the camera. In the altered clip, Trump appears to say, “I am calling on the Nigerian government to immediately release Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, whose detention raises concerns about fairness and justice.
If Mr. Kanu is not released by November 31st, 2024, my administration will begin withdrawing medical, financial, and humanitarian aid to Nigeria.” However, the video was manipulated. Trump’s lips don’t match the audio, indicating digital tampering, and the audio continues after he stops speaking.
Using reverse image searches, it was determined that the original video comes from Trump’s speech on November 6, 2024, after his projected election victory. The speech, aired by Fox News, did not mention Nigeria or Nnamdi Kanu. This footage was also used in a false claim about Trump imposing a visa ban on Nigerians, which was debunked by AFP Fact Check.
Pro-Biafra activists have been known to spread false narratives about foreign governments supporting the secession of Biafra from Nigeria.