Abuja – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has raised a serious alarm over a fraudulent video currently circulating across social media platforms, which falsely features a cloned voice mimicking the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari.
The video, which NNPC Ltd. has confirmed to be generated using artificial intelligence (AI), is being used to falsely promote a non-existent poverty alleviation initiative, allegedly linked to the company. In a statement released on Thursday, May 29, 2025, by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the national oil company categorically denied any association with the scheme, warning members of the public to completely disregard the misleading content.
NNPC Ltd. further revealed that the deceptive material originated from a Facebook page bearing the name “Mensageiro de Cristo,” and has since gained traction across multiple social networking platforms, posing a threat to unsuspecting Nigerians who may fall victim to the scam.
The company has condemned the malicious use of AI technology to mislead the public and misrepresent its leadership, stressing that it will not hesitate to pursue legal actions against the individuals or groups behind the fabrication and dissemination of the video.
According to the statement, NNPC Ltd. remains fully committed to safeguarding its brand integrity and public trust. The firm reiterated that it has not launched any investment or social welfare programme resembling what was portrayed in the fabricated video and urged Nigerians to rely solely on official company channels for accurate and verified information.
The oil giant’s firm response comes amid a growing global concern over the misuse of AI-generated content to spread misinformation, particularly in the form of deepfake videos aimed at impersonating public figures.
NNPC Ltd. has reassured the public that it is working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to identify the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
The company’s management has urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid engaging with suspicious online posts, and report any similar scams that could jeopardize public trust or endanger financial security.
