The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has cautioned Nigerians against falling for a fraudulent video generated using artificial intelligence that falsely portrays her.
In a message posted on her verified 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance disclosed that a manipulated video employing her likeness is currently circulating online. She described the clip as fake and confirmed that the matter has been reported, with appropriate authorities already taking steps to address it.
According to her, the aim of the public notice is to prevent unsuspecting individuals from being deceived by the impersonation. She emphasised that she felt compelled to speak out quickly to ensure members of the public are alert to the scam.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala further reiterated that she maintains a presence only on 𝕏 and does not operate accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. She stressed that any messages, investment solicitations, or public statements attributed to her on those platforms should be treated as fraudulent.
“I have repeatedly made it clear that I do not post on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Any content circulating there with my name or image is not from me,” she clarified, underscoring her concern that people could be duped if they fail to verify the source of such materials.
Her warning comes at a time when the misuse of artificial intelligence technology is becoming increasingly widespread. Deepfake tools, which can convincingly replicate the voices and images of prominent individuals, are being exploited globally to perpetrate scams, spread misinformation, and damage reputations.
Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly advised social media users to verify information through official channels and to be cautious of unsolicited messages or videos featuring public figures, especially those that involve requests for money or sensitive personal information.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s alert serves as a reminder of the growing sophistication of online fraud and the importance of digital vigilance in an era where technology can easily blur the line between reality and fabrication.
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