ICPC disowns viral ₦50bn bribe video, threatens legal action

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has rejected as false a viral video alleging a ₦50 billion bribery scandal, warning that those behind its production and circulation will face legal consequences.

In a statement issued on Monday, the commission said the video — which has spread widely across online platforms — has no connection to the agency and bears no relation to any of its ongoing investigations.

ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey described the content as entirely fabricated, noting that parts of it were artificially generated to deceive the public. “The images, names, and content in the video are fabricated and, in some instances, AI-generated, designed solely to mislead unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.

The commission was unequivocal in distancing itself from the claims, stating that it has neither issued any report nor made any statement supporting the allegations in the video — including those implicating any individual, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, group of lawyers, or judicial officer.

“The ICPC is not investigating any individual, SAN, group of lawyers, or judicial officer in connection with the fictitious ₦50 billion bribe referenced in the video. No such case, transaction, or investigation exists within the records of the commission,” the statement read.

Odey said the commission would not allow its name and institutional credibility to be exploited for the spread of disinformation, warning that perpetrators “will face serious legal consequences.”

The public was advised to disregard the video and consult only the commission’s official channels for verified information. The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, evidence-based investigations in accordance with the law.