Deepfake video impersonates WTO chief in Nigerian investment scam
A deepfake video using AI technology circulated on social media impersonating WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to promote a fraudulent investment scheme. Okonjo-Iweala publicly disowned the video and warned Nigerians to remain vigilant, while authorities reportedly began investigating the source.
What happened
A fraudulent deepfake video circulated on social media using artificial intelligence to impersonate WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The video falsely claimed to offer an official government-backed investment programme promising earnings of up to 2,660,000 Naira in the first week for a minimum investment of 380,000 Naira.
The video stated the programme was available only to Nigerians over 30 years old, offered automated returns without requiring daily effort or financial expertise, allowed withdrawals at any time, and claimed only 4,000 accounts were available with over 80 per cent already reserved.
Reported impact
Okonjo-Iweala warned the public against the scam, emphasising that the video was unauthorised and should not be trusted. She clarified that she does not operate accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp, and stressed that any content appearing on those platforms under her name is fraudulent.
Index analysis
The deepfake video exploited Okonjo-Iweala's public profile as WTO Director-General to lend false credibility to the investment scheme. The scam specifically targeted Nigerians through social media platforms where the victim had warned she does not post.
Governance controls
Okonjo-Iweala urged Nigerians to rely only on official channels for information and to remain vigilant against impersonation scams. Authorities are reportedly investigating the source of the video to prevent further circulation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.