ARCON warns against fake AI ad with Tinubu, calling it a fraudulent Ponzi scheme. The council confirms no vetting or approval was given for the ad

ARCON warns against fake AI ad with Tinubu in a strong public statement aimed at curbing fraudulent advertising practices involving artificial intelligence.

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The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has condemned an AI-generated advertisement featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as deceptive and criminal.

The ad, which has appeared on Facebook, falsely links the president to a Ponzi investment scheme.

In a statement dated 22 September 2025 and signed by ARCON Director-General Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, the council confirmed that the material was created using artificial intelligence and had not been vetted or approved for exposure in Nigeria.

“A preliminary investigation shows that the advertisement is computer/AI-generated with the intention to mislead and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians,” the statement read.

ARCON stressed that President Tinubu had no involvement with the campaign, noting that his image and voice were used without consent.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not model for, or authorise anyone to use his image in promoting any investment scheme,” the council added.

The regulator clarified that the advertisement was never submitted to its Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) as legally required.

Under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022, all advertisements targeting the Nigerian public must be vetted and approved before publication.

“The advertisement was neither submitted for vetting nor vetted and approved for exposure by the Advertising Standards Panel,” Dr Fadolapo emphasised.

ARCON reaffirmed the importance of pre-exposure vetting as a safeguard against false, misleading, and harmful advertising content.

The council reminded media outlets—both traditional and digital—that they are legally obligated to demand and obtain a Certificate of Approval before airing any ad directed at Nigerians.

“This is to remind all media owners—traditional, new, and digital—that they are gatekeepers of advertising and must comply with the law,” the statement warned.

Violations of these provisions, according to ARCON, will attract sanctions under the 2022 Act.

Dr Fadolapo called on advertisers and media professionals to uphold ethical advertising standards.

“As we continue to work towards building a more ethical and consumer-protective advertising environment in Nigeria, we urge all stakeholders to recommit to the principles of truthful, legal, decent, and responsible advertising,” he said.

He also acknowledged that while generative AI presents opportunities for creativity, its abuse can lead to large-scale deception and financial harm.

ARCON’s warning follows global concerns about the misuse of deepfake technology in politics and consumer markets.

This incident, according to the council, reinforces the urgency of its regulatory mandate to ensure that Nigeria’s advertising space remains truthful, safe, and legally compliant.

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By acting swiftly, ARCON warns against fake AI ad with Tinubu, not only to protect the president’s image, but also to safeguard public trust and prevent unsuspecting citizens from falling victim to fraud.