FACT-CHECK: Tinubu’s Whereabouts and the Kagame Paris Photo Controversy

The Nigerian Presidency has come under intense public scrutiny following the release of an image purportedly showing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a private meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris. The image, which bears an AI watermark, has triggered widespread debate over the President’s whereabouts and the authenticity of the meeting itself. A fact-check by 9News Nigeria reveals inconsistencies and raises serious doubts surrounding the claim.

Background

In recent days, Nigerians have increasingly questioned the whereabouts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amid heightened global tensions following the reported U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Against this backdrop, the Presidency released an image said to show President Tinubu meeting President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Paris, France.

The image was shared via President Tinubu’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @officialABAT, with the accompanying statement:

“This afternoon, I had a private lunch with H. E. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda to discuss the current state of world affairs and advancing Africa in an ever-changing global landscape.”

The post was also amplified by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared the same image on Facebook, captioned:

“President Bola Tinubu at a private lunch in Paris with the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, discussing world affairs and advancing Africa. Sunday, January 4, 2026.”

Key Observation: AI Watermark

A closer inspection of the image reveals a visible “Grok” watermark, indicating that the photograph was generated or altered using Grok AI, an artificial intelligence tool known for AI-assisted image creation.

This discovery immediately triggered public backlash, with many Nigerians questioning whether:

• The meeting actually took place
• The image reflects a real event
• The President was indeed in Paris at the stated time

Silence from Rwanda Raises Red Flags

Critically, President Paul Kagame has made no statement, post, or official acknowledgment of such a high-level bilateral meeting.

As of the time of this report, President Kagame’s most recent post on his verified X handle, @PaulKagame, reads:

“Congratulations to my brother, President Mamadi Doumbouya @presi_doumbouya, on his election as President of the Republic of Guinea. We look forward to deepening our strong bilateral relations and working closely together to advance our shared priorities and the prosperity of our nations.”

There is no mention of travel to Paris, France, nor any reference to a meeting with President Tinubu across:

• Kagame’s official X account
• Instagram account (@paulkagame)
• Personal news platform (www.paulkagame.rw)

Presidency’s Response

According to Vanguard Newspaper, the Presidency responded to growing criticism by denying claims that the image was AI-generated.

Vanguard reported that:

• The Presidency described the AI narrative as false and misleading
• The clarification was issued by Mr. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
• The Presidency claimed the image was real but “enhanced”, not generated by AI

Media Reports Supporting the Presidency

A separate report by THISDAY Newspaper, authored by Deji Elumoye, stated that:

• President Tinubu and President Kagame held a private lunch in Paris
• Discussions focused on world affairs and Africa’s position in a changing global order
• President Tinubu departed Lagos on December 28, 2025, en route to Europe, ahead of an official trip to Abu Dhabi

However, 9News Nigeria notes that THISDAY’s report remains uncorroborated by any independent or foreign source, particularly from Rwanda.

Findings from 9News Nigeria Investigation

Following extensive verification efforts, 9News Nigeria established the following:

1. No Rwandan government communication—official or unofficial—confirms President Kagame’s travel to Paris.
2. Major Rwandan news outlets, including:
   • The New Times (www.newtimes.co.rw)
   • Kigali Today (www.kigalitoday.com)
     made no mention of Kagame visiting France or meeting President Tinubu.
3. The most recent headline on Kagame’s official platform was: “President Kagame chairs 17th RPF Congress | Kigali” (Published December 19, 2025)
4. Direct verification attempts were made by 9News Nigeria:
   • Rwandan Presidency
   • Rwanda Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFFET)
   • Editorial desk of The New Times (Rwanda)
   None could confirm that President Kagame travelled outside Rwanda or met President Tinubu in Paris.
5. An editor at The New Times, who requested anonymity, acknowledged awareness of the Nigerian Presidency’s claim but stated they could not authoritatively confirm the trip.

Context: Heightened Political Uncertainty

The controversy unfolds amid:

• Reported U.S. military actions against extremist targets in Nigeria’s North Central region
• The U.S. capture and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
• Noticeable silence from President Tinubu on the Maduro incident, despite global reactions

President Tinubu has also been largely absent from Abuja in recent weeks, with his last confirmed public appearances being:

• Mosque prayers in Lagos Island
• Attendance at the Eyo Festival in Lagos

Since then, his location has remained unclear, further fueling speculation.

Conclusion

While Nigerian media outlets and the Presidency insist that a Tinubu–Kagame meeting took place in Paris, independent verification from Rwanda is entirely absent. More critically, the image used to substantiate the claim bears an AI watermark, which directly undermines its credibility.

Verdict:

• A meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Kagame cannot be independently verified.
• The image shared by the Presidency appears to be AI-generated or AI-altered.
• Claims of President Tinubu’s presence in Paris remain unproven.

This fact-check remains open and will be updated should verifiable evidence emerge.