WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Issues Urgent Warning Over Fraudulent AI Video
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has issued a critical public alert regarding a deceptive AI-manipulated video circulating online. This fraudulent content falsely uses her name and likeness to promote an illegitimate investment scheme targeting Nigerian citizens.
Official Denial and Public Caution
In a post on her verified X account on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala explicitly distanced herself from the video and urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution. She emphasized that the content did not originate from her and warned the public against falling victim to what she described as a clear attempt at financial fraud.
"Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake AI-manipulated video. The authorities are handling. Just wanted to alert you to be aware of this," she wrote in her social media statement. She further clarified, "Anything emanating from these sources with my image is not from me. I just don't want people to be duped."
Deceptive Claims and Unrealistic Promises
The manipulated video features a synthetic voice that closely mimics Okonjo-Iweala's distinctive tone and speech patterns. In the fraudulent clip, viewers are invited to participate in what is misleadingly presented as an "official programme" designed to help citizens "secure and grow their wealth."
According to the video's outrageous claims:
- Participants can allegedly earn up to N2.66 million within just one week
- This requires a minimum investment of N380,000
- The scheme promises daily automatic returns
- It falsely describes itself as involving "government-backed investments"
- The offer is supposedly limited to Nigerians aged 30 and above
- Only 4,000 slots are claimed to be available, with promoters asserting that over 80% have already been taken
Promoters behind the fraudulent scheme further claim that the platform is managed by financial experts who analyze markets and execute profitable trades while guaranteeing the safety of investors' funds.
Clarification on Official Social Media Presence
Okonjo-Iweala took the opportunity to clarify her official social media presence, stating categorically that she does not operate accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. She emphasized that X remains her only verified social media platform, where she communicates directly with the public.
Pattern of Misrepresentation
This incident represents another instance in a troubling pattern of Okonjo-Iweala's identity being misappropriated for fraudulent or misleading purposes online. Several months ago, she similarly distanced herself from a viral post that falsely attributed critical comments about the Nigerian president to her.
At that time, she expressed concern that her name was being weaponized to spread political misinformation and urged Nigerians to verify claims before sharing them on social media platforms. She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting global trade growth and supporting economic development in Nigeria and other developing nations.
Recent Presidential Engagement
The warning comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu hosted Okonjo-Iweala at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a closed-door meeting. The discussions reportedly focused on trade issues with significant implications for Nigeria, Africa, and the global economy. President Tinubu has consistently voiced strong support for her leadership at the WTO, describing her as a valuable asset to both the organization and the African continent.
The public is advised to treat any investment scheme promoted through unofficial channels with extreme skepticism and to verify information through legitimate sources before committing any funds.
