Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday made a light-hearted remark about Senator Adams Oshiomhole over a viral video that allegedly showed the former Edo State governor massaging a woman’s leg aboard a private jet.
Speaking during plenary on July 16, 2026, Akpabio said the Senate had earlier ignored a petition related to the video because it was believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
According to him, the petition was not pursued after concerns were raised that the footage might have been manipulated. He, however, noted that the matter could be reconsidered if fresh evidence emerged.
The controversy began in February 2026 after a video circulated online showing a man resembling Oshiomhole inside a private jet with a woman, sparking widespread reactions on social media.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticised Oshiomhole, arguing that public officials who enjoy luxury lifestyles may be disconnected from the economic realities facing many Nigerians.
Social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, also questioned the senator’s alleged display of wealth, saying public office holders should be more accountable.
Oshiomhole has consistently denied the authenticity of the video, insisting it was created using artificial intelligence as part of an attempt to damage his reputation. Through his media aide, he also called for stronger measures to address the spread of manipulated content on social media.
Meanwhile, South African influencer Leshaan Dagama, who was identified by social media users as the woman in the video, appeared to dispute Oshiomhole’s claim by stating on social media that the footage was not AI-generated.
The authenticity of the viral video has not been independently verified.
