A digitally altered image falsely claimed to show a Yoruba Nation diplomatic passport, but fact-checkers confirmed it was a doctored Nigerian passport.
Supporters of the Yoruba Nation separatist movement in Nigeria have circulated false claims online that the group issues a diplomatic passport. Posts on X and Facebook showed a photo of a woman holding what appeared to be a Yoruba Nation passport, claiming it was “recognized, authenticated, and gives you immunity for free passage in West Africa, Europe Countries, and North America (sic).”
AFP Fact Check traced the image to a June 24, 2025 Facebook video, which clearly showed a Nigerian passport. Analysts said the viral version had been digitally altered, with visible editing marks.
The claim that Nigerian passports are globally rejected is also misleading. According to the July 2025 Henley Passport Index, Nigeria ranks 88th worldwide, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 countries.
No legal Yoruba Nation passport exists, though separatists have used similar misinformation to press for independence. A website calling itself the “Yoruba Nation Passport Office” was registered in June 2025.