Fact Checking Methodology

Our Verification Process
1. Claim Selection
We prioritize claims based on:

  • Public impact and reach
  • Potential for harm or misinformation
  • Relevance to Enugu State
  • Requests from readers

2. Source Identification
We track claims to their origin:

  • Video timestamps and transcripts
  • Social media posts with screenshots
  • News articles and press releases
  • Public statements and speeches

3. Research Phase
Our researchers:

  • Contact original sources directly when possible
  • Review primary documents (government records, court filings, scientific studies)
  • Consult subject matter experts, academic researchers, public officials, industry professionals
  • Examine historical data and statistics
  • Check multiple credible news outlets for corroboration

4. Evidence Evaluation
We assess sources using these criteria:

  • Credibility of the source
  • Date of publication
  • Methodology used to gather information
  • Potential bias or conflicts of interest
  • Corroboration from independent sources

5. Rating Assignment
We use a clear rating system:

  • True: The claim is accurate
  • Mostly True: The claim is largely accurate but needs clarification or context
  • Half True: The claim is partially accurate but leaves out important details
  • Mostly False: The claim contains some element of truth but ignores critical facts
  • False: The claim is inaccurate
  • Unverifiable: Insufficient evidence exists to confirm or deny the claim

6. Review Process
Before publication:

  • A second researcher verifies all sources
  • An editor reviews the fact check for clarity and accuracy
  • Subject matter experts review technical claims when needed

7. Corrections Policy
When we make errors:

  • We correct them immediately
  • We note the correction date and what changed
  • We explain what was wrong and why


What We Don’t Do
We avoid:

  • Fact checking satire or obvious jokes
  • Verifying unprovable predictions about the future
  • Checking opinions (though we may verify facts within opinion pieces)
  • Rating claims that lack specific, verifiable components

Limitations
Our fact checks reflect available evidence at the time of publication. Some claims cannot be fully verified due to lack of public information, classified data, or incomplete records. We state these limitations clearly in our articles.