TRENDING PHOTO MISIDENTIFICATION: FACTS VS PROPAGANDA

A particular image is currently trending across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with claims that the individual standing behind VDM is Z04 — the whistleblower who accused Harrison of diverting ransom money.

Based on this false assumption, some narratives are now suggesting that Harrison was “set up” and that VDM was directly involved. These claims are false.

The image in question was taken during a return trip from the Agedemode–Exaco–Alchipoli axis, where a gunshot victim had been abandoned by kidnappers. The team intervened, rescued the victim, and transported him to the hospital.

The still image circulating online was extracted from that rescue video. Contrary to what is being spread, the man behind VDM is NOT Z04.

His name is Osaze — a hotel owner based in Benin City. Multiple visuals confirm this, including the distinct chain he was wearing in the footage. Osaze has appeared in several documented scenes with VDM long before this controversy.

To clarify the facts:

– Z04 and Osaze are two entirely different individuals
– Both appeared in separate, unrelated scenes at different times
– Z04 was captured in a different video altogether
– Osaze and another individual, Ofo (based in Auchi), were present during community interventions in Edo State

The Edo State footage being circulated originated from a road safety intervention where speed breakers were constructed and dangerous bends were partitioned. Since that intervention, there have been no reported accidents on that road.

The attempt to merge unrelated visuals to manufacture a “set up” narrative is deliberate misinformation.

Facts do not change because narratives are loud.

Public records show that the individual involved initially denied the allegation and later admitted to it himself. Accountability cannot be transferred through propaganda.

Blogs and pages that amplified this false claim owe the public a correction — and an apology.

Facts matter. Truth matters. Narratives do not change evidence.

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