‘You’ll be held accountable’ – ICPC, EFCC, FCCPC warn celebrities towards selling fraudulent merchandise

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), have warned celebrities and influencers towards selling fraudulent services, stressing that many Nigerians have misplaced billions of naira after investing in merchandise marketed by in style faces on social media.

The companies gave the warning throughout a joint stakeholder assembly held in Abuja on Friday, October 30.

Speaking on the assembly, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, stated celebrities can not declare ignorance when merchandise they endorse defraud Nigerians.

“If you promote a fraudulent product, you are liable. Your face, your voice, your influence was used to deceive people. You will be held accountable” he stated

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, represented on the occasion, warned that influencers who promote fraud can be handled as accomplices.

“We have seen cases where skit makers, musicians and actors promoted crypto scams and fake loan apps. Nigerians lost money because they trusted their favourite celebrity. That trust must not be abused,” he stated.

The ICPC additionally warned that movie star endorsements of faux merchandise undermine shopper confidence and gas corruption.

The companies suggested celebrities to all the time confirm merchandise with regulatory our bodies like NAFDAC, SEC, and FCCPC earlier than signing endorsement offers.

The companies additionally appealed to Nigerians to report suspicious merchandise and movie star adverts that look too good to be true.