CLAIM: Mobile cash transfer shutdown during 2023 Elections.
VERDICT: False
CONTEXT: A post circulating on social media, especially on WhatsApp, alleges that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will be shutting down digital transactions from Thursday, February 23, till Monday, February 27. The post which has gone viral has generated reactions from Nigerians. Investigations show that the messages are in two folds.
The first post reads, “SPECIAL INFORMATION. CBN PLANS TO SHUT DOWN FINANCIAL TRANSACTION FROM THURSDAY 23 OF FEBRUARY TILL 27TH OF FEBRUARY GO AND STOCK YOUR HOME”.
“Anyhow you can get money between today and tomorrow, get and keep it, also whatever transfer you want to do, do it between today and tomorrow, information am hearing is that, as from Thursday, the bank network will go off till Sunday or Monday, so that politicians will not be able to transfer money to anybody for a vote, so buy enough food at home, do your transfer now. Because the next five days will be difficult pls.”
The second post reads: “Good afternoon everyone, I trust we all had a peaceful day, all right. I just want to pass on some important information here, so no one will be stranded due to the new development of no Cash”.
“I got important information from a Bank Manager today who specifically told me by Friday till Sunday evening online transfers will not be working anymore, that CBN has ordered all banks to shut down online transfers due to the election….so please kindly look for cash from now till Friday because do not hope for transfer by weekend…. Stay safe and vote wisely”.
CONCLUSION: The CDD fact-checkers verified the claim and found it to be false. An official of the CBN, who is not authorized to speak, said the apex bank couldn’t have authorized such information, adding that the post had been labeled “fake”.
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