June 13, 2025 – The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a strong warning to the general public about a series of fake and unethical advertisements circulating on Facebook and Instagram, platforms owned by Meta Inc. These misleading ads involve high-profile individuals and institutions, and are targeted at unsuspecting Nigerians.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, and dated 13th June 2025, the council revealed that the image and voice of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), were used to promote a fake prostate cancer cure supposedly by Dr. Zayo Mokoena. Also, Mr. Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television was falsely presented in an ad promoting a treatment for erectile dysfunction allegedly by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme.
According to ARCON, “A preliminary investigation shows that both Pastor Adeboye and Mr. Okinbaloye’s advertisements are computer/AI generated. The images and voices were used with the intention to mislead the public.”
In addition, a fraudulent advertisement claiming to offer impounded cars and bags of rice from the Nigeria Customs Services through auction was discovered. The statement confirmed that this ad was a scam designed to defraud the public.
ARCON emphasised that these kinds of misleading digital ads not only damage public trust but also violate ethical advertising standards in Nigeria. The regulatory body stated, “ARCON will take all necessary steps including legal actions to sanction platform owners, advertisers, and advertisement agencies that engage in the exposure of unethical advertisements.”
To combat the spread of these deceptive ads, ARCON has set up a special monitoring and enforcement task force. This team will track and flag non-compliant advertisements across digital platforms.
The council also called on Nigerians to play their part. “We urge the public to also support this initiative by reporting any advertisement which appears deceptive, unethical, illegal, and/or those with unrealistic claims/promises.”
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ARCON reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection and urged stakeholders to recommit to responsible advertising. For complaints, the public can contact the ARCON complaint desk on 08050899900.