The Federal Government has announced that anyone creating or sharing deepfakes and inciting online content will be tracked, investigated, and prosecuted under cybercrime laws.
In a public service announcement issued Thursday by the Office of Digital Engagement & Strategy, the Presidency noted a rising trend of digitally altered videos and audios on social media and messaging apps designed to weaponize religion and manipulate public opinion.
It noted recent cases included manipulated videos falsely attributed to public figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a religious leader, warning that such content was being used to provoke religious tension and distort public perception.
The Presidency emphasized that the pattern reflected a coordinated attempt to manufacture outrage and undermine national unity ahead of the political season, adding that the objective was to exploit emotional and religious fault lines for political gain.
It urged Nigerians to exercise caution and proper verification before sharing content, noting that the rapid spread of misinformation posed a threat to national cohesion and public peace.
“In line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including provisions relating to cybercrime, incitement, public mischief, and the malicious spread of false information capable of threatening public peace and national security, relevant cases and digital actors involved in such activities will be identified and reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action,” the statement said.
The Presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation bound by constitutional freedom of worship and mutual respect among citizens.
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