
The internet was recently thrown into chaos over what seemed to be yet another love-gone-wrong saga, but this time, the young woman at the center of the drama is fighting back with facts, firmness, and fearless denial. Rebecca Yahoma Ifeme, a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), popularly known on social media as Becky, has come forward to completely shut down the viral narrative that accused her of denying her supposed boyfriend after enjoying a lavish date with popular YouTuber and content creator, Asherkine.
It all began with what many called a dream-come-true moment. Asherkine, known for his generous content style of surprising random individuals with luxury experiences, visited the UNN campus. On this particular occasion, he picked Rebecca for an all-expense-paid day that included a shopping spree, a new smartphone, and various pampering gifts. As is customary with his videos, Asherkine asked Rebecca upfront if she had a boyfriend — a question that has become something of a litmus test in his viral “pamper a student” series. Without hesitation, Rebecca stated that she had never been in a relationship.
Everything seemed picture-perfect until the internet did what it does best — dig up content and stir controversy. Shortly after the outing, a photo of Rebecca with another young man surfaced online. The man, who identified himself simply as Ken, claimed to be Rebecca’s boyfriend and accused her of denying him on camera to enjoy luxury and clout from the content creator. According to him, he and Rebecca had been together, and her response to Asherkine was nothing short of betrayal.
The picture went viral almost instantly, spawning thousands of reactions across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The hashtag #BeckyExposed trended for hours, with many social media users lashing out at Rebecca, accusing her of being dishonest, opportunistic, and even manipulative. Memes, edited screenshots, and self-proclaimed “receipts” flooded social platforms. But amid the noise, Rebecca stayed silent — until now.
In a video posted on her social media handles, Rebecca calmly and clearly debunked every rumor surrounding the scandal. Dressed simply with a somber expression, she looked straight into the camera and stated emphatically: “I’m here to debunk the whole story going around about me denying my boyfriend. First of all, the name 'Becky Chinaza' he is using is not even my name. I don’t know who this person is.”
She continued by addressing the supposed WhatsApp conversations shared by the young man. “The WhatsApp message he’s been sharing across social media is not me — that isn’t even my DP on WhatsApp. Even the replies don’t sound like me. I don’t speak that kind of English.”
The video has since gone viral, sparking a new wave of reactions, this time in her favor. In what many are now calling a clear-cut case of identity manipulation, Rebecca insisted that the entire saga was a fabrication meant to tarnish her name and ride on the virality of her moment with Asherkine. “I am so much innocent of all these accusations,” she declared. “I will keep saying it — I do not have a boyfriend, and I have never, ever had a boyfriend.”
In a particularly pointed moment, she challenged her alleged ex-boyfriend to produce concrete evidence. “If he is claiming to be my boyfriend, he should bring more evidence and stop going to my TikTok to screenshot the videos I have already made and photoshopping them,” she said. “Bring evidence that you and I are actually dating.”
Her response has sparked a mixture of support and skepticism. While many praised her courage and clarity, others still harbor doubts, calling for more transparency and accountability. “Nigerians don’t know who to believe anymore. Everyone has receipts,” a Twitter user commented. Another user wrote, “Let the girl breathe. The guy just wants clout. She’s clearly innocent.”
Interestingly, the Department of Mass Communication at UNN also weighed in on the matter, defending Rebecca’s character and calling the circulating image “fake and defamatory.” In an internal memo leaked online, the department described Rebecca as a disciplined and hardworking student who has never been known for any behavioral misconduct. The institution warned the public against the dangers of defamation and character assassination on social media.
Meanwhile, Ken, the man at the heart of the controversy, has remained largely silent since Rebecca’s video statement. Attempts to reach him for clarification have yielded no results. His initial post alleging betrayal has been taken down from some platforms, and there are now rumors that he may face legal consequences for defamation.
Social commentators are also using the opportunity to revisit the culture of clout-chasing and fake news that pervades online spaces. “This is why digital literacy is so important,” one media analyst noted. “Young people need to understand that viral fame comes with its own dangers, and lies told online can ruin real lives.”
Rebecca’s case is another reminder of the fine line between fame and infamy in the age of social media. In less than 48 hours, she went from an ordinary student enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime day to the subject of national gossip and online attacks. Yet, she handled the storm with uncommon grace — standing firm, telling her truth, and letting evidence speak louder than allegations.
For now, the tide seems to be turning in her favor. Supporters have begun using hashtags like #WeStandWithBecky and #JusticeForRebecca, calling out online bullies and applauding the young woman’s bravery. Rebecca, for her part, has returned to her usual posts, seemingly unbothered, while subtly reminding the world that sometimes, the loudest lie doesn’t make the truth any less true.
One thing is certain: if this incident was meant to bring her down, it only propelled her higher. From a quiet student to a national figure of resilience, Rebecca Yahoma’s name is now etched in the minds of many — not for what was said about her, but for how boldly she responded.