News
ARCON Disowns AI-generated Tinubu Ad as Misleading Fraud
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.
Also read: ARCON Act Outshines UAE Law in Regulatory Transparency
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.
Also read: It’s fake news, EFCC didn’t arrest Aisha Achimugu
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.
News
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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