WhatsonGambia’s Reporting on Alleged Passport Fraud Is Misleading And Unprofessional

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Concerns are mounting over the professional standards of the media platform WhatsonGambia following its recent publication of a misleading report regarding an alleged passport fraud case involving a Nigerian national in Canada.

The outlet reported that a woman, identified as Nnenna Oketa, had been arrested in possession of multiple Gambian passports, all bearing the same photograph but different names. However, critics argue that the report lacked critical context and failed to present the full facts surrounding the incident.

According to verified information from the Canada Border Services Agency, the suspect was found with seven fraudulent travel documents concealed in a shipment. These included five Gambian passports and two South African passports. Importantly, all the documents were counterfeit, a key detail that WhatsonGambia reportedly omitted in its coverage.

Authorities confirmed that the passports carried identical photographs but different identities, pointing to a coordinated fraud scheme rather than any legitimate issuance of official documents. The case has since been referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation, and the suspect faces charges related to possession of forged passports under Canadian law.

The issue of foreign nationals attempting or requiring national documents fraudulently is very common.  Recently over 400 Nigerian nationals were arrested in Ghana for illegal possession of Ghanaian passport.

Media observers have criticized WhatsonGambia for what they describe as selective reporting, accusing the platform of publishing sensational claims without adequate verification or context. Such omissions, they warn, risk misleading the public and unfairly damaging the reputation of national institutions.

The incident has reignited calls for greater adherence to journalistic ethics, particularly in an era where digital platforms play an increasingly influential role in shaping public opinion. Observers stress that responsible journalism requires accuracy, balance, and full disclosure of facts—standards that must be upheld regardless of editorial stance.

As the investigation continues, Jarranews is urging media outlets to exercise caution and professionalism, emphasizing that credibility remains the cornerstone of public trust.