The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis in Benin for allegedly creating and circulating a deepfake video impersonating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s voice, police announced on Thursday.
Police said Dennis was traced to Benin after an investigation into the viral video that falsely purported to feature the president’s voice delivering a message to the nation. Authorities allege he used artificial intelligence tools to synthesize the audio and then paired it with visuals to amplify its reach.
The IGP’s special unit arrested Dennis following digital forensic work, which, according to investigators, identified his devices and online accounts used to produce and distribute the clip. Investigators recovered electronic evidence they say links him to the creation and dissemination of the deepfake.
The police warned that producing and spreading fabricated media that misleads the public can constitute offenses under cybercrime and public order laws, and they indicated the suspect would be charged accordingly after completion of investigations.
In a statement, the IGP’s office urged responsible use of social media and reminded citizens to verify information from official channels before sharing. “Deliberate fabrication and circulation of false information capable of causing public unrest will attract prosecution,” the statement said.
Digital rights and media experts interviewed by reporters emphasized the growing threat of synthetic media to public discourse and elections, calling for stronger public awareness and improved verification tools. They urged social platforms and users to adopt verification practices such as reverse-audio searches, checking official government accounts, and scrutinizing metadata.
The police said the investigation remains ongoing and that further arrests or charges may follow as they trace the network involved in producing and circulating the material. The IGP’s office did not immediately disclose the specific charges filed against Dennis or the exact location where he is being detained.
Authorities encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the IGP’s cybercrime unit. Citizens were reminded that sharing unverified content may expose them to legal consequences and contribute to misinformation.
