The Nigeria Police Force has warned that individuals who deliberately use artificial intelligence (AI) to spread false information capable of undermining Nigeria’s 2027 general elections will face investigation and possible prosecution.
The warning was issued by Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, at a webinar organised by the PUNCH Media Foundation on Wednesday, 11 November.
The discussion, titled AI, Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote, examined the growing risks posed by digitally manipulated content and its potential impact on electoral integrity.
Abdullahi said the police were strengthening their capacity to identify and investigate misleading online material, particularly deepfake videos, manipulated photographs and cloned audio recordings that could deceive voters or falsely attribute statements to political figures.
He explained that the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, established following the 2023 general elections, was central to efforts to monitor suspicious digital activity and investigate the origins of potentially harmful content.
The police representative also disclosed that the force had developed working relationships with major technology companies, including Meta and TikTok, to support investigations into suspicious online activities.
According to him, these partnerships would assist investigators in obtaining relevant user information, tracing the origins of misleading content and preserving digital evidence for possible prosecution.
Abdullahi cited an alleged deepfake video depicting President Bola Tinubu making statements he had not made. He said the individual suspected of producing the video had been traced, arrested and questioned by the police. The suspect reportedly claimed that the video had been created as an experiment.
He warned that the deliberate circulation of manipulated material could mislead voters, damage reputations and create tensions capable of affecting the peaceful conduct of elections.
However, Abdullahi stressed that the police would not use the fight against disinformation as a justification to restrict legitimate political expression or citizens’ constitutional rights.
He maintained that enforcement action would be based on credible information and sufficient evidence, rather than individuals simply expressing political opinions.
The webinar also examined the responsibilities of electoral authorities and the media in addressing the growing influence of AI-generated content.
Speaking at the event, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, said public trust was essential to credible elections. She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve its communication with voters through timely updates and regular public briefings.
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She also called for greater cooperation between INEC, civil society organisations and media practitioners to prepare for possible cases of fabricated election announcements, manipulated statements and misleading videos.
The discussions highlighted the need for stronger verification practices and clearer editorial policies governing the use of AI in newsrooms.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the police said they would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, digital investigations and cooperation with relevant institutions to address emerging threats to electoral security
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Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.