Nigerian investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo has lost her Twitter verification badge a few days after tweeting that the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may have died.
The news which was later found to be false drew widespread condemnation. Kemi Olunloyo later came out to clarify her position, saying that she never said Kanu was dead.
But Twitter seems to be unhappy with Kemi as the micro-messaging blog has removed her verification.
Although Kemi has changed her Twitter display name from Dr. Kemi Olunloyo (Pharm.D) to Medical Journalist Kemi Olunloyo Pharm.D, some people still think she lost the verification badge because of allegedly spreading false news.
Twitter says that it reserves the right to remove verification at any time without notice, and has even given few instances one may lose the verification badge.
It said, “Reasons for removal may reflect behaviors on and off Twitter that include: Intentionally misleading people on Twitter by changing one’s display name or bio.
“Promoting hate and/or violence against, or directly attacking or threatening other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease. Supporting organizations or individuals that promote the above.
“Inciting or engaging in harassment of others. Violence and dangerous behavior. Directly or indirectly threatening or encouraging any form of physical violence against an individual or any group of people, including threatening or promoting terrorism.
“Violent, gruesome, shocking, or disturbing imagery Self-harm, suicide. Engaging in activity on Twitter that violates the Twitter Rules.”