Coalition Urges Nigeria to Criminalize AI-Generated Fake Content

A coalition, led by Abdullahi Haruna, has called on the Nigerian federal government to take urgent action against the rising trend of AI-generated fake content aimed at political leaders, which they classify as a form of cyber terrorism. During a press conference in Abuja, the coalition highlighted the dangers posed by advanced AI technologies, particularly hyper-realistic deepfake images and videos, which could undermine public trust and destabilize the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They noted credible intelligence indicating that both local and foreign actors are deploying AI-generated content for blackmail and defamation against prominent political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other senior officials. The coalition emphasized the need for immediate legislative measures to criminalize malicious deepfake content and to enhance public awareness about verifying information.

They stressed that the misuse of AI for blackmail and disinformation represents a clear and present danger to Nigeria's democracy and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders.