Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has officially disowned a viral video. This clip shows him endorsing a cryptocurrency and forex trading platform. However, the business leader confirmed it is a sophisticated AI-generated “deepfake.” Scammers used his likeness and voice to trick investors.
Writing on his X account, Elumelu clarified that he has no connection to these platforms. The video looked remarkably real, but it was a complete fabrication. He warned that criminals are using his reputation for fraudulent gain.
This incident highlights a growing crisis in the tech world. While Elumelu supports AI as a tool for African youth, he warned that criminals are now “weaponizing” the technology. The ease of cloning identities is a direct threat to digital trust.
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He called on regulators and policymakers to act now. By tagging Elon Musk and Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, he demanded stronger safeguards. He wants authorities to hold scammers accountable for these digital crimes.
Nigeria is seeing a rise in these AI-powered attacks. For instance, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently had to debunk a similar fake video. That clip falsely showed him promising cash giveaways to the public.
Elumelu reminded his followers that true success comes from long-term investments. He does not build wealth through “get-rich-quick” schemes. His message is simple: stay vigilant. Always verify information through official channels before you spend your money.
