2019 Photo of Nigeria’s President Performing Umrah Resurfaced
The Claim
A recent photo shows Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari performing Umrah.
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Emerging story
During his trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, social media users and media outlets circulated an allegedly recent photo of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found the claim to be misleading. A thorough reverse image search revealed the photo to be outdated.
This Photo of Nigeria’s President Dates Back to 2019
Contrary to viral claims shared by media outlets and social media users, the photo is old.
On May 18, 2019, the photo, along with other photos, was published by Bashir Ahmad, the President’s Special Assistant on Digital Communications.
The photo’s caption reads, "President [Muhammadu Buhari] performs Umrah (lesser Hajj) at the Masjid Haram (the Grand Mosque) in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
Buhari’s Visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah
According to his office, President Muhammadu Buhari's formal visit to Saudi Arabia began on Tuesday, April 11, and is scheduled to last until April 19.
The president performed Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, on his "last trip to the Kingdom as President," according to a statement from the president's spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
The president traveled with his assistants, according to Mr. Shehu.
Bashir Ahmad also published a photo of the President performing Umrah along with his delegation.
After serving two terms as president, Mr. Buhari will step down from his position on May 29.
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