The office of the immediate past vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has disowned a series of fraudulent AI-generated videos that are circulating online. The videos feature his image and likeness promoting fake hypertension medications and a bogus money-making scheme.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Mohammed Braimah, the videos were described as “fraudulent” and “completely unauthorised,” warning the public not to fall for the deceptive materials being spread across digital platforms.
“It has come to our attention that the image of the immediate past vice president, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, is being used in AI-generated videos to fraudulently promote products and services that are not endorsed, supported by, or affiliated with him in any form whatsoever,” the statement read.
According to the aide, one of the videos falsely depicts Prof. Osinbajo advertising medications for hypertension, while another features an AI-generated voiceover mimicking the former Vice President’s tone and cadence to endorse a fictitious money-doubling investment scheme.
“We reiterate that these videos are fraudulent and not endorsed by or affiliated with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,” Braimah stressed. “We urge the general public to remain cautious and always verify the authenticity of products and services before making any decisions concerning them.”
The Office of the former vice president called on social media platforms and regulatory authorities to swiftly take action against the malicious content and urged Nigerians to report such videos when they are encountered.
“Public vigilance is crucial in the fight against fraud and digital impersonation. We must all play our part in ensuring that criminals do not succeed in misleading the public using familiar and respected personalities,” Braimah said.
