The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has launched an investigation into a spate of fake digital advertisements circulating on social media, warning that public figures are being digitally manipulated and used without consent in misleading campaigns.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ARCON Director-General Dr Olalekan Fadolapo said the council had uncovered several cases of doctored videos and images being distributed on Meta-owned platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram. Among those falsely featured are Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye.

“This is to inform the general public of series of exposure of fake and unethical advertisements on Facebook. Some of the Advertisements include: Image and voice of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s advertisement of cure for prostatitis (prostate cancer) for Dr Zayo Mokoena; Image and voice of Mr. Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television’s advertisement of erectile dysfunction for Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme; and Nigeria Custom Services impounded cars and bags of rice with solicitation for auction patronage from the general public,” the statement read.

Fadolapo revealed that the fabricated adverts promoted false medical claims and fraudulent offers, including fake auctions by the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Preliminary findings show that some of these videos were generated using artificial intelligence and computer software to simulate voice and image likeness,” he said.

The agency expressed concern that these materials are aimed at misleading the public, describing them as part of a growing trend of unethical digital advertising. ARCON confirmed that all the flagged content was found on platforms operated by Meta Inc., holding the company responsible for allowing the spread of such content.

In response, ARCON said it would explore legal action against Meta and other parties involved in the creation and dissemination of the adverts. A special enforcement unit has been established to monitor and respond to such infractions in real-time.

The council also encouraged Nigerians to report any suspicious advertisements and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that advertising in the country remains truthful, responsible, and consumer-focused.

ARCON’s move comes amid increasing global scrutiny of the role of artificial intelligence in content creation and the ethical challenges posed by its misuse in advertising.