A screenshot of that was posted on Facebook reel, but the altered video appeared only once during the analysis. The essence of the manipulation was to leverage Soyinka’s clout to sell a doubtful drug.
Social media advertising has become a critical tool for businesses, including healthcare providers, to reach target audiences. However, dubious actors are exploiting AI technology to create deceptive ads featuring manipulated voices and images of influential figures like Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and renowned cancer researcher Dr. Samuel Achilefu. These fake endorsements promote unverified herbal remedies, discrediting legitimate pharmaceuticals while posing serious health risks. Experts warn that such fraudulent content is becoming increasingly common, eroding public trust and endangering lives.
Celebrities, including actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, have had their images and voices digitally altered to endorse dubious herbal medicines in AI-generated videos. One such clip falsely depicted Mofe-Damijo claiming a herbal cure saved him from stroke after “doctors failed.” The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) confirmed these manipulations, with one official revealing her own image was misused. “I reported it to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission,” she said. Authorities urge vigilance as these scams exploit public trust in social media for dangerous gains.
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