The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media that falsely depicts her endorsing a fraudulent investment scheme.
The lawmaker issued a public warning on Sunday, describing the video as manipulated and misleading content created by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Nigerians to disregard the video and avoid engaging with any investment platform linked to the content.
In a statement shared on her official social media handle, the senator explained that the viral clip was doctored from a previous television interview she granted to journalist Seun Okinbaloye.
According to her, criminals altered the footage from the interview and manipulated it to make it appear as though she was endorsing a fraudulent investment platform.
She clarified that the circulating video was not authentic despite appearing to feature her voice and image.
“Although the manipulated clip appears to feature my voice and image, it is entirely fabricated and should not be trusted,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan advised members of the public to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to the fraudulent scheme being promoted with the altered video.
She emphasised that she has no affiliation whatsoever with the investment platform being advertised in the clip.
The senator urged Nigerians to completely ignore the video and refrain from interacting with any financial offer associated with it.
The lawmaker also appealed to citizens to help curb the spread of the fake video by reporting the social media page or platform hosting it.
According to her, reporting the fraudulent content will help ensure its removal and prevent more people from being deceived by the scam.
She also used the opportunity to caution Nigerians about the growing dangers of online fraud.
“Please stay vigilant, stay safe, and be guarded against online scams,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s warning comes amid growing concerns over the rise of cyber fraud and identity manipulation involving prominent public figures.
In recent times, fraudsters have increasingly exploited edited videos, digital manipulation and artificial intelligence tools to create convincing fake endorsements by public personalities in order to promote fraudulent investment schemes and other scams online.
