PRNigeria Fact-Check: Viral Video Claiming Senator Saliu Mustapha Endorsed Ponzi Scheme is False
A viral video circulating on social media claiming that Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, endorsed a government-backed investment scheme has been confirmed to be false and digitally manipulated.
The video, which was first shared by a blog page known as The News, features what appears to be Senator Mustapha in a live television interview allegedly promoting a scheme that promises ₦1,580,000 weekly returns on an investment of ₦395,000. The caption accompanying the video reads: “After so much time, he finally revealed the truth to us! An event for the whole country.”
The video rapidly spread across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and YouTube, triggering public concerns and heated discussions over the senator’s supposed endorsement of what appeared to be a get-rich-quick scheme.
However, a forensic investigation by PRNigeria’s fact-checking team has exposed the video as a digitally fabricated clip generated using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology.
A detailed analysis revealed several red flags, including the use of a fake BBC Breaking News frame intended to give the clip an air of authenticity. AI detection tools further exposed glaring inconsistencies such as unnatural facial expressions, mismatched lip-syncing, and audio distortions—all hallmarks of AI-generated deepfake content.
To verify the context of the video, PRNigeria reached out to Suleiman Aledeh, the journalist shown in the interview clip. Aledeh, a former Arise TV broadcaster and current Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, confirmed that the last interview he conducted with Senator Mustapha took place in 2023. He stated categorically that no investment platform was discussed during their conversation and disassociated himself from the trending clip.
Adding to the clarification, Nasif Sholagberu, Media Assistant to Senator Mustapha, issued a formal disclaimer, describing the video as completely fabricated.
“We wish to categorically state that the said video is fabricated and was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Senator Saliu Mustapha has not endorsed, supported or promoted any financial platform. Any such claims should be regarded as false and misleading,” he said.
In conclusion, PRNigeria’s investigation confirms that the video is a product of digital manipulation designed to mislead the public. The senator was neither involved in the creation of the video nor in the endorsement of any Ponzi or investment platform.
Verdict: False. Senator Saliu Mustapha did not endorse a Ponzi scheme. The video in circulation is AI-generated and fraudulent.