ARCON Warns Nigerians Against Fake AI-Generated Advertisement of President Tinubu

By Azeez Disu

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has warned the public against a fake AI-generated advertisement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu circulating on Facebook. It disclosed that the advertisement, which falsely claims to promote investment in a Ponzi scheme, is not authorized by President Tinubu or ARCON.

In a statement signed by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of ARCON, he emphasized the dangers of misinformation: “This is to inform the general public to beware of a fake AI-generated advertisement using the image and video of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in soliciting for investment in a Ponzi scheme.”

He urged media owners and the public to be vigilant, stating, “The violation of the requisite provisions of Act No. 23 of 2022 will attract sanctions in accordance with the law.” ARCON assured Nigerians that the advertisement was neither submitted for vetting nor approved for exposure.

The agency reiterated its commitment to building an ethical and consumer-protective advertising environment, calling on stakeholders to uphold principles of truthful and responsible advertising.

Recall that cases involving computer-generated images and voices of Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Mr. Seun Okinbaloye have also been recorded. They were used with malicious intent to promote fraudulent schemes, including fake cures for prostatitis and erectile dysfunction. Similarly, Nigeria Customs Service’s impounded cars and rice bags, allegedly linked to solicitation for auction patronage, are part of a scam targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.