A Nigerian lady has tendered a public apology after admitting that a viral photo claiming an Itel Solar Power Tank exploded was AI-generated and did not happen.
In a video posted on Tuesday, the lady said she created the fake image for clout and did not expect it to spread widely online.
“According to the lady, please forgive me. The viral post I made of Itel Solar Power Tank explosion was AI generated, it didn’t happen,” she said.
The doctored image had circulated widely on X, Facebook and WhatsApp over the weekend, sparking panic among users of the solar power device. Many Nigerians shared the post with warnings to Itel customers to be careful.
Itel Nigeria later debunked the claim, stating that there was no record of any explosion involving its power tank and that the photo was fake. The company urged the public to verify information before sharing.
Following the backlash, the lady said she regretted her actions and asked Nigerians and Itel to forgive her. She added that she did not intend to damage the brand’s reputation.
“According to a social media commenter, this is why we must stop spreading unverified posts. Fake news can destroy businesses and cause unnecessary fear,” one user wrote.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that the use of AI to create misleading images is rising in Nigeria and called for stricter digital literacy and fact-checking.
In a related development, the Federal Government has repeatedly cautioned against the spread of fake news and disinformation, saying offenders could face legal action under the Cybercrimes Act.
Meanwhile, Itel Nigeria has not announced whether it will take legal action against the lady.
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