Man Who Used Pastor Adeboye's Image to Market Fake Drug Fac

Man Faces Trial for Using AI-Generated Image of Pastor Adeboye in Fake Drug Advert
32-year-old man, Omohowo Israel, has been arraigned in Lagos for allegedly using an artificial intelligence-generated image of Pastor Enoch Adeboye
The ad falsely claimed that a drug called Prosteron could cure terminal illnesses, despite no medical backing for such claims.

A 32-year-old man, Omohowo Israel, has been arraigned in Lagos for allegedly using an artificial intelligence-generated image of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, to promote a fake drug online.

Israel was arrested on March 20, 2025, in the Ogba area of Lagos following complaints from concerned individuals, including members of the church, who were shocked to see their revered leader appearing in an online advertisement.

The ad falsely claimed that a drug called Prosteron could cure terminal illnesses, despite no medical backing for such claims.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that Pastor Adeboye had no involvement in the promotion, and his image was manipulated to mislead the public and drive sales. The case was reported to the police, who tracked down and apprehended Israel.

Charged with cybercrime, identity theft, and impersonation under Lagos State law, Israel was brought before the Ogba Magistrate Court. The prosecution accused him of conspiring with others still at large to commit fraud by creating and circulating a misleading AI-generated image of the pastor.

During his court appearance, Israel pleaded not guilty. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted him bail on the condition that he provides two sureties with verifiable means of livelihood and proof of tax payments. Until he meets these conditions, he remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Center.