Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has raised the alarm over a viral AI-generated video used by fraudsters to promote drugs and scholarships in an attempt to scam people.

The cleric, in a statement via his official social media pages on Wednesday, warned his teeming church members and the general public against falling for scammers using an AI-generated video of him to market products and scholarships.

“I have been made aware of disturbing AI-generated videos circulating online, falsely advertising certain drugs and scholarships that are intended to deceive and mislead people,” Mr Adeboye said. “These videos are NOT from me, and I want to make it clear that I have no involvement in such promotions.”

Condemning the fraudsters behind the AI promotion videos, Mr Adeboye said, “I urge all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to be vigilant and not fall for these fraudulent schemes. They are designed to exploit your trust for selfish gain. Please do not share or engage with these posts.”

The cleric mentioned specific social media handles using AI-generated content of him to deceive and scam people, adding that “These malicious acts by ‘Africa Health Centre’ and ‘Church-Funded Scholarships’ is being dealt with already by the relevant authorities as we will not allow God’s name to be used in vain for such wickedness.”

Mr Adeboye, a highly influential religious figure in Nigeria and around the world, also encouraged his church members and the general public to report these social media accounts to curb their nefarious activities.