The media office of Senator Adams Oshiomhole has condemned the circulation of an alleged video purportedly showing the former Edo State governor massaging a woman’s foot, describing it as a fake, AI-generated clip designed to smear his reputation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the office said it had observed “with dismay” what it called a poorly edited and doctored video making the rounds on social media, urging members of the public to disregard the narrative in its entirety.
According to the statement, the video is part of a calculated attempt by “desperate and unguarded power seekers” to blackmail and malign the image of the senator, whom it described as an “amiable” and innocent public figure.
“This is a criminal act of cyberbullying and a needless attack on the personality of Senator Adams Oshiomhole,” the statement said, adding that efforts were underway to investigate the origin and publishers of the clip.
The media office specifically faulted a 30-second video shared by SaharaReporters on its Facebook page, alleging that close examination of the footage revealed clear inconsistencies. It noted that the initial seconds of the clip, showing a woman walking through an aircraft stairway, differed significantly from the remaining footage involving the senator, suggesting deliberate manipulation.
The statement further accused malicious actors of exploiting artificial intelligence tools to fabricate content aimed at attracting online traffic and monetisation, warning that such practices were becoming a growing nuisance in Nigeria’s media space.
While stressing that Senator Oshiomhole is not opposed to content creation or digital media engagement, the media office called on creators to pursue legitimate means of earning income rather than engaging in what it described as “egregious and unethical practices.”
It also urged the public and media organisations to verify content thoroughly before sharing or commenting on it, warning against the dangers of misinformation and unverified reports in the digital age.
The media office concluded by calling for stronger social media regulations by relevant authorities to curb the spread of manipulated content and protect individuals from cyber harassment.
