Management of BUA Group has distanced the company and its founder from a viral Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated promotional video circulating on social media, warning members of the public against falling victim to what it described as a fraudulent investment scheme.
In a statement issued by the company on Monday, BUA said its attention had been drawn to a video that allegedly uses artificial intelligence technology to portray its Founder and Executive Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, as endorsing an investment platform that promises unusually high returns.
The company said the video was designed to mislead unsuspecting members of the public into believing that the investment offer was legitimate and backed by the BUA chairman.
According to the statement, “Our attention has been drawn to an AI-generated video in circulation on social media platforms, promising the general public unrealistic investment returns, and purportedly showing our Founder/Executive Chairman as promoting the platform which is targeted at luring unsuspecting members of the public.”
BUA categorically denied any involvement with the platform or the investment claims being promoted in the video.
“We wish to clearly state that neither our Founder/Executive Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), BUA Group nor any of our subsidiaries, is in any way or by any means associated/connected with this platform nor its purported investment promise,” the company stated.
The conglomerate urged Nigerians to exercise caution and avoid engaging with individuals or organisations promoting investment opportunities that offer unrealistic returns while falsely claiming links to BUA or its leadership.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard this video with its messaging and refrain from engaging with any platform or individual promising unrealistic returns in reference to the platform or its campaign,” the statement added.
BUA further called on members of the public to alert relevant authorities whenever they encounter such schemes.
“Such platforms/individuals should be reported to relevant and appropriate law enforcement agencies,” the company said.