•”I’m not a brand ambassador for any medical product, Prof. Adewole says
The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Nigeria’s former Minister of Health, Dr. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, has debunked a viral video in which he was seen advertising a medical product.
In a statement personally signed by him, Dr. Adewole stated that the video was apparently edited by an Artificial Intelligence app to doctor his face.
I'm not a brand ambassador for any medical product. Fraudsters use AI to doctor my voice in circulating video," said former Minister, Dr. Adewole#UniversityofIbadan #AdewoleIsaac #طوفان_الأقصى #savas #جوري_المغربيه #Israel #Palestine #الأهلي_الاتحاد #Hamas #FreenBeckyFMJapan pic.twitter.com/TumPKW8G3n
— 9jaspectators (@spectatorsng) October 7, 2023
Below are the details of the statement…
Disclaimer Notice:
I have been made aware of a video circulating on the internet where my face has been doctored for dubious means to swindle the general public. I would like to emphatically state that I am not now, nor have I ever been, a brand ambassador for any medical product. I urge the general public to please disregard this video as it has nothing to do with me.
My video has been fraudulently edited, and an AI tool has been used to create a voiceover. You will observe that the voice and speech do not correlate with my mouth movements, as they are not my actual words. I would like to reiterate that the views, opinions, and expressions in this malicious video are not mine and I do not authorize them.
I did not grant any permission or endorsement to any person(s), product(s), or service(s) during or after my time as a Federal Minister. I left office as Minister of Health on May 29, 2019.
Thank you for your understanding.
Prof. Isaac F. Adewole.
Dr. Adewole’s statement quickly spread across social media platforms and news outlets, causing outrage among the public. Many people expressed their concern and disbelief that such fraudulent activities could occur, tarnishing the reputation of a respected figure in the medical community. The incident also sparked discussions about the dangers of using AI technology without proper regulation and the need for stricter measures to prevent the misuse of such tools.
Dr. Adewole, known for his integrity and dedication to public health, reassured the public that he would not let this incident deter him from his mission. He emphasized that his primary concern has always been the welfare of the people and that he will continue to work towards improving healthcare in Nigeria.
As news of the manipulated video spread, the authorities launched an investigation to uncover the culprits responsible for doctoring the face and voice of Dr. Adewole. The Cybercrime Unit of the Nigerian Police Force, in collaboration with international investigative agencies, worked tirelessly to identify those behind the malicious act.
After an exhaustive investigation, it was revealed that the video was part of a larger network of scams involving the promotion of counterfeit medical products. The fraudsters had targeted multiple prominent figures in the medical field, using advanced AI algorithms to manipulate their appearances and create fake endorsements.
With the evidence gathered during the investigation, the authorities were able to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The mastermind behind the operation was arrested, and he subsequently provided the police with valuable information about the entire network, leading to the arrest of several other individuals involved in the fraud.
This incident served as a wake-up call for governments, technology companies, and consumers alike. It highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and safeguards to protect individuals from AI-enabled scams and manipulations. Governments around the world collaborated to establish new guidelines and laws, imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of using AI for fraudulent activities.
Dr. Adewole’s experience also led to increased awareness among the public, who became more vigilant when encountering suspicious videos or endorsements. People became more cautious about the products they purchased and scrutinized the credibility of online advertisements.
As for Dr. Adewole, he continued to play a significant role in the Nigerian health sector. Recognizing the importance of technology in healthcare, he established a task force dedicated to addressing the potential risks and benefits of AI in medical practices. Through this initiative, he aimed to ensure that the benefits of AI could be harnessed ethically and responsibly, while proactively mitigating any potential risks.
Ultimately, this unfortunate incident became a catalyst for positive change. It prompted a collective effort to combat AI-enabled fraud and emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in the rapidly evolving digital world.
