{
  "id": 17361123,
  "title": "'You'll be held accountable' - ICPC, EFCC, FCCPC warn celebrities against promoting fraudulent products",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/youll-be-held-accountable-icpc-efcc-fccpc-warn-celebrities-against",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T06:41:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/31/you-risk-going-to-jail-if-you-promote-fake-products-icpc-efcc-fccpc-warn-celebrities/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have issued a stern warning to celebrities and influencers regarding the promotion of fraudulent products and services. During a joint meeting in Abuja, the agencies addressed the concerning trend of celebrities endorsing Ponzi schemes, fake investment platforms, and unregistered products. These agencies have highlighted that many Nigerians have suffered significant financial losses, amounting to billions of naira, as a result of investing in products marketed by popular social media personalities.\n\nTunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, emphasized that celebrities can no longer evade responsibility when their endorsed products defraud Nigerians. Bello stated, \"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.\" EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, echoed this sentiment, warning that influencers who promote fraud will be treated as accomplices. He recounted instances where skit makers, musicians, and actors had promoted crypto scams and fake loan applications, resulting in financial losses for Nigerians who trusted their favorite celebrities. Olukoyede warned, \"Nigerians lost money because they trusted their favourite celebrity. That trust must not be abused.\"\n\nThe Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) added that celebrity endorsements of fake products not only undermine consumer confidence but also contribute to corruption. The agencies advised celebrities to verify products with regulatory bodies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and FCCPC, before signing endorsement deals. They also urged Nigerians to report any suspicious products or celebrity advertisements that appear too good to be true.\n\nThis warning follows a series of incidents where celebrities were criticized for promoting failed investment schemes and unhealthy skincare products that left many Nigerians in debt and facing health complications. The ICPC, EFCC, and FCCPC's joint warning underscores the importance of holding celebrities accountable for the impact of their endorsements on the public, particularly in light of the financial and health consequences suffered by many Nigerians.",
  "summary": "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 services. The agencies gave the warning during a joint stakeholder meeting held in Abuja on Friday, where they…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}