The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, have warned celebrities and influencers against promoting fraudulent products and providers.
The companies gave the warning throughout a joint stakeholder assembly held in Abuja on Friday, the place they addressed the rising pattern of celebrities endorsing Ponzi schemes, pretend funding platforms, and unregistered products.
According to them, many Nigerians have misplaced billions of naira after investing in products marketed by widespread faces on social media.
Speaking, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, stated celebrities can now not declare ignorance when products they endorse defraud Nigerians.
“If you promote a fraudulent product, you are liable. Your face, your voice, your influence was used to deceive people. You will be held accountable,” he stated.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, represented on the occasion, warned that influencers who promote fraud will be handled as accomplices.
“We have seen cases where skit makers, musicians and actors promoted crypto scams and fake loan apps. Nigerians lost money because they trusted their favourite celebrity. That trust must not be abused,” he stated.
The ICPC additionally warned that movie star endorsements of pretend products undermine client confidence and gasoline corruption.
The companies suggested celebrities to all the time confirm products with regulatory our bodies like NAFDAC, SEC, and FCCPC earlier than signing endorsement offers.
They additionally urged Nigerians to report suspicious products and movie star adverts that look too good to be true.
The warning comes after a number of celebrities had been known as out for promoting failed funding schemes and unhealthy skincare products that left many Nigerians in debt and with well being problems.
