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Nigerian journalist Samad Uthman has been awarded the prestigious African Fact-Checking Award for his groundbreaking investigation into how artificial intelligence was exploited to impersonate a Nigerian scientist and promote a fraudulent heart disease treatment.
Uthman, who works from AFP’s Abuja office and joined the agency’s digital investigations team earlier this year, expressed that the recognition highlights the growing importance of combating AI-generated misinformation.
“The win is a testament to the effort we make at combating misinformation – at a time when AI-generated disinformation is moving faster and faster,” Uthman said after receiving the award at the 2025 Africa Facts Summit.
The summit, which has become a cornerstone event for information integrity specialists across the continent, placed significant emphasis on artificial intelligence challenges this year. Experts from various African countries gathered to discuss strategies for addressing the surge in sophisticated digital deception techniques that have proliferated alongside advancing AI technologies.
Uthman’s investigation revealed how bad actors used AI to create a convincing digital persona of a respected Nigerian scientist, complete with fabricated credentials and manipulated imagery. This synthetic identity was then used to market an unproven “miracle cure” for heart disease to vulnerable populations. The comprehensive report not only exposed the fraudulent scheme but also educated readers about detecting similar AI impersonation tactics.
This marks a continuing tradition of excellence for AFP in fact-checking journalism. The global news agency has now claimed the top prize in the African Fact-Checking Awards twice in three years. In 2023, AFP journalists Mary Kulundu and James Okong’o from the agency’s Nairobi bureau jointly won for their investigative work. AFP reporters also secured silver medals in both the 2022 and 2024 competitions.
The pattern of recognition underscores AFP’s growing commitment to combating misinformation across the African continent, where digital literacy varies widely and misinformation can have severe consequences for public health, political stability, and social cohesion.
Africa has become a particular focus for fact-checking organizations as the continent experiences rapid digital transformation. With smartphone penetration increasing dramatically and social media usage surging, the region has become vulnerable to targeted misinformation campaigns. Health-related misinformation has proven especially dangerous, with false cures and treatments for various conditions regularly circulating online.
The Africa Facts Summit, organized by Africa Check, the continent’s first independent fact-checking organization, has evolved into a critical forum for developing collaborative approaches to these challenges. This year’s summit featured workshops on AI detection tools, cross-border verification initiatives, and sustainable models for fact-checking organizations.
David Ajikobi, Africa Check’s Nigeria editor, noted that cases like the one Uthman uncovered represent “just the tip of the iceberg” in terms of AI misuse across the continent.
“As technology advances, we’re seeing increasingly sophisticated attempts to manipulate public opinion and exploit vulnerable communities,” Ajikobi said. “Recognition for this kind of investigative work is crucial to encouraging more journalists to develop the specialized skills needed to identify and debunk AI-generated falsehoods.”
For media organizations worldwide, the rise of AI-generated content presents unprecedented verification challenges. AFP’s consistent recognition in the African Fact-Checking Awards demonstrates how traditional media companies are adapting to this new reality by investing in specialized digital investigation units and training journalists in advanced verification techniques.
More information about the awards and the full list of winners can be found on Africa Check’s website.
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13 Comments
Impressive work by Samad Uthman and AFP. Identifying and exposing AI-driven deception is so important, especially in regions vulnerable to the spread of misinformation. This award is well-deserved recognition of their efforts.
I hope this award brings more visibility to the issue of AI-fueled disinformation. The public needs to be aware of these emerging threats to information integrity.
This recognition for AFP underscores the vital work fact-checkers are doing to counter the rising threat of AI-generated disinformation. As the Africa Facts Summit highlights, this is a growing challenge that demands attention and solutions across the continent.
Combating AI-generated misinformation is a vital but challenging task. This award for Uthman’s work demonstrates the importance of skilled journalism and rigorous fact-checking in exposing these increasingly common threats.
I’m curious to know more about the specific techniques used to uncover the fraudulent AI persona. Investigating synthetic media requires specialized expertise.
Kudos to Uthman and AFP for this prestigious honor. Their investigation into the AI impersonation case highlights the growing sophistication of digital deception and the critical role of fact-checking in combating it.
This is an important recognition for the growing fight against AI-generated misinformation. Kudos to Samad Uthman and AFP for their investigative work uncovering how bad actors are exploiting AI to spread disinformation. The Africa Facts Summit’s focus on this challenge is timely and necessary.
Combating AI-driven deception is crucial as the technology advances. I’m glad to see experts from across Africa coming together to discuss strategies – this is a global issue that requires coordinated response.
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Uthman and the AFP team. Exposing AI-driven deception is crucial, especially in regions vulnerable to the spread of misinformation. Well done.
I hope this recognition brings more attention to the growing threat of AI-fueled disinformation. The public needs to be aware of these emerging challenges to information integrity.
Congratulations to Samad Uthman and AFP on this well-deserved recognition. Their investigation into the AI impersonation case is a valuable contribution to the fight against misinformation in Africa and beyond.
It’s great to see journalism being honored for its role in exposing AI-fueled misinformation. Uthman’s investigation demonstrates the importance of rigorous fact-checking, especially as AI becomes more sophisticated and convincing. This award shines a light on a critical issue.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific techniques Uthman used to uncover the fraudulent AI persona. Investigating synthetic media must require specialized skills and tools.