ICPC, EFCC, FCCPC ISSUE STRONG WARNING TO CELEBRITIES AND INFLUENCERS OVER FRAUDULENT PROMOTIONS

By NaijaParrot | October 31, 2026 

Abuja, Nigeria 

 Three major Nigerian regulatory and anti-corruption agencies have warned celebrities, entertainers and social media influencers against using their popularity to promote fraudulent products, suspicious investment schemes and deceptive services, cautioning that those found culpable could face legal consequences. 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) issued the warning during a joint stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Friday. 

 The agencies expressed concern over the growing practice of celebrities and online personalities endorsing questionable businesses, including Ponzi schemes, fake investment platforms and unregistered products, often exposing unsuspecting Nigerians to financial losses and other forms of exploitation.

Speaking at the meeting, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, warned that celebrities could no longer simply distance themselves from fraudulent businesses after lending their identities and public influence to promote them. He stressed that public figures must take responsibility for the products and services they endorse, particularly when their promotional activities are used to deceive consumers.

Bello reportedly warned that individuals who promote fraudulent products could be held liable, emphasising that the trust Nigerians place in celebrities should not be exploited for commercial gain. 

 The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was represented at the meeting and reportedly warned that influencers who knowingly participate in promoting fraudulent activities could be treated as accomplices. The commission raised concerns about cases involving musicians, actors and skit makers who have allegedly used their platforms to advertise questionable cryptocurrency investments and fake loan applications. 

 According to the report, the agency observed that some Nigerians have lost money after relying on endorsements from personalities they admire and trust. The warning serves as a reminder that online popularity does not exempt anyone from accountability where evidence establishes involvement in fraudulent activities. 

 The ICPC also expressed concern about the consequences of celebrity endorsements of fraudulent and unverified products. The commission warned that such practices could undermine public confidence, encourage deceptive commercial activities and contribute to wider consumer exploitation. 

 The agencies urged celebrities and influencers to conduct proper checks before accepting endorsement deals, particularly where businesses make financial promises or offer products requiring regulatory approval. 

 As part of the measures highlighted during the meeting, celebrities and influencers were advised to verify the legitimacy of businesses and products through the appropriate regulatory institutions before promoting them. 

 The agencies specifically pointed to relevant bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the FCCPC. They also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious advertisements, questionable investment opportunities and products that appear too good to be true. 

 The development comes amid growing concerns about the use of celebrity influence and social media popularity to attract unsuspecting consumers into questionable business arrangements. For celebrities and influencers, the message from the agencies is clear: commercial endorsements require responsibility, proper verification and caution, especially when the financial interests and safety of the public are involved. 

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