Omohowo Israel faces serious charges for impersonating the church leader to promote false cures.
A 32-year-old man, Omohowo Israel, has been arrested in Lagos for creating a fake artificial intelligence (AI) image of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and using it to falsely advertise a drug called Prosteron, claiming it cures terminal illnesses.
According to reports, church members were shocked to see what appeared to be an advert featuring Pastor Adeboye endorsing the drug on the internet. However, it was quickly revealed that Pastor Adeboye did not consent to the advertisement, and his image was used without his knowledge to market the fraudulent product. The church brought the issue to the attention of the authorities, leading to an investigation and the eventual arrest of Israel.
The charges against Israel include cybercrime, identity theft, and impersonation, under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State. The police found that he had created and circulated the false AI-generated image on social media, deceiving the public into believing that the Prosteron drug could cure terminal illnesses. This was proven to be false.
Israel was charged before the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos, with the offences being punishable by several years in prison. During his court appearance, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution, led by Supol Akeem Raji, requested a court date for the hearing to allow the police to present evidence of Israel’s involvement in the crimes. The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted Israel bail with two sureties, who must provide proof of employment and tax payments. The court also ordered verification of their addresses.
Israel has been remanded in custody at the Kirikiri correctional center while arrangements are made for his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned for mention.
