‘Not from me’ — Okonjo-Iweala warns Nigerians over fake AI video promoting N2.6m investment scheme

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has cautioned Nigerians against a fake, AI-generated video circulating online that promotes an investment scheme using her name and image.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala said the video did not originate from her and urged the public to disregard it.

She said the relevant authorities were already addressing the issue but emphasised the need to alert Nigerians to avoid falling victim to fraud.

“Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake AI-manipulated video. The authorities are handling it. I just wanted to alert you to be aware,” she wrote.

“Anything coming from these sources using my image is not from me. I do not want people to be duped.”

The manipulated video features a voice resembling the former Nigerian finance minister, inviting Nigerians to participate in what it describes as an “official programme” to help citizens grow their wealth.

The video claims participants can earn up to N2.66 million within one week after making a minimum investment of N380,000, with promises of daily automated returns through what it describes as government-backed investments.

It also states that the scheme is open to Nigerians aged 30 and above, with only 4,000 slots available, adding that over 80 percent of the slots have already been reserved.

The promoters further claim that the platform is managed by financial experts capable of analysing markets and executing profitable operations, while guaranteeing the security of investors’ funds.

Okonjo-Iweala, however, distanced herself from the claims and clarified that she does not operate accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp, noting that X is her only official social media platform.