In the ever-dramatic world of Nigerian entertainment, comedian and actor Ijoba Lande has found himself at the center of yet another controversy. Just five months after surviving a stormy marital scandal that dominated headlines, he is now fighting off a fresh scandal that feels ripped straight out of a Nollywood script - only this time, the weapon isn’t rumor or betrayal, but artificial intelligence.
On August 19, 2025, Ijoba shocked fans by revealing that he is being blackmailed with an AI-generated deepfake video allegedly showing him naked in bed with a married woman. The twist? That woman, according to Ijoba, is no ordinary lady but the wife of a Nigerian senator. The blackmailers are reportedly demanding a staggering ₦5 million to delete the video, which is already being circulated to his benefactors and professional contacts. For a man who makes his living in front of cameras and audiences, the idea of a fake tape ruining his reputation and threatening his livelihood is nothing short of devastating.
In his public outcry, Ijoba made it clear that he is not the one in the video. He pleaded with fans and colleagues who might come across the clip to delete it immediately and, in his words, “don’t even send it to me.” His tone was firm but tinged with frustration, as he lamented the dangers of AI technology being used for malicious purposes. The comedian also made a direct call to the Nigerian government to regulate artificial intelligence before it causes more damage to unsuspecting public figures and ordinary citizens alike.
While his current predicament is grabbing headlines, it’s impossible to ignore the shadow of his recent past. Earlier this year, Ijoba’s marriage fell apart in spectacular fashion after he accused his wife, Darasimi, of infidelity with multiple men in the entertainment industry. The scandal escalated when actor Baba Tee was dragged into the drama, at first denying but later admitting to a brief sexual encounter with Darasimi. Tearful apologies were issued, social media erupted with debates, and Ijoba himself declared he would forgive but never reconcile with his estranged wife. That saga had barely died down when this new deepfake controversy erupted, leaving many to wonder if Ijoba can ever catch a break from scandal.
Gossip circles have wasted no time in speculating about the mysterious senator’s wife allegedly featured in the AI-generated video. While no names have been revealed, the suggestion alone is enough to fuel whispers and online chatter. For fans, the drama is both shocking and oddly captivating - proof that reality often plays out more sensationally than scripted drama. For Ijoba, however, it is a nightmare unfolding in real time.
Beyond the gossip, this incident shines a serious light on the rise of deepfake technology in Nigeria. Once dismissed as a far-off threat, deepfakes are now being used as dangerous tools for blackmail and defamation. Ijoba’s case may be the first high-profile example in Nollywood, but it is unlikely to be the last. As he himself pointed out, if AI continues to grow without regulation, celebrities, politicians, and even everyday people could all become targets of damaging fabrications.
Whether or not the blackmailers succeed in their demands remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ijoba Lande’s name will once again dominate gossip blogs, entertainment pages, and social media threads for weeks to come. From marital betrayals to AI conspiracies, his life has become a headline magnet - one that keeps audiences hooked, even as he struggles to reclaim his peace.
For now, the comedian stands defiant, refusing to be cowed by digital blackmail. But as the story unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely, wondering whether this is the scandal that finally breaks him, or just another chapter in the endless rollercoaster of celebrity life.
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