ICPC Debunks Viral AI-Generated Video Claiming N50 Billion Judicial Bribe Probe
By Chizoba Njaka
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a strong denial of a malicious video circulating on social media, which falsely claims the agency is investigating a N50 billion bribe involving senior lawyers and judicial officers.
In an official statement released yesterday, ICPC Head of Media and Public Communication, Okor Odey, described the video's images, names, and content as fabricated adding, some AI-generated is to deceive the public. "The Commission has not issued any report or statement supporting the claims made therein, including the alleged involvement of any individual and or judicial officer," Odey emphasized.
The video, which has gained traction amid Nigeria's ongoing battles with corruption and fake news, alleges an investigation into a fictitious N50 billion bribe scandal. ICPC clarified that no such case, transaction, or probe exists in its records. "For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC is not investigating any individual, SAN [Senior Advocate of Nigeria], group of lawyers, or judicial officer in connection with" these claims, the statement added.
Established in 2000 under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the ICPC is Nigeria's premier anti-corruption agency, tasked with probing high-profile graft cases across public and private sectors. It operates independently, focusing on evidence-based investigations to uphold transparency.
The commission warned those behind the video to cease immediately, vowing to pursue legal action against originators and amplifiers. "The ICPC will not tolerate the misuse of its name and institutional credibility to spread disinformation in the name of 'content creation,'" it stated, urging the public to verify information via official channels like its website (icpc.gov.ng) and verified social media handles.
This incident highlights Nigeria's rising tide of AI-driven deepfakes and misinformation, especially during election seasons or high-stakes corruption probes. Fact-checking groups like Dubawa and Africa Check have repeatedly flagged similar viral hoaxes targeting institutions.