The apex regulatory body in Nigeria’s advertising industry, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has refuted claims  in some news platforms, Nigerian Tribune not inclusive, alleging that a member of the advertising profession, was arrested for  drug-related offences, in Lagos.

The Council, in a statement, signed by its Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, stated that the said Ariyibi Ahmed  Olaseinde, arrested  at the Murtala Muhammed  International Airport , Lagos, for  allegedly attempting to export 14.4 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in lace and Ankara fabrics to Saudi Arabia, was never an advertising practitioner, as claimed.

According to the apex regulatory body, such name  does not exist in its Record of Registered Advertising Practitioners in Nigeria.

The body therefore advised members of the public and all stakeholders in the sector to disregard the alleged claim by the said drug suspect; since no member had  such name in its register.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Advertising is a noble profession in Nigeria, a status conferred on it by law. Only persons who are duly qualified and registered, according  to the provisions of the law, are entitled to practise  Advertising and to be recognized  as Advertising practitioners in Nigeria.

“We wish to categorically state that. ARCON  remains committed  to ensuring  that the advertising ecosystem is sanitized, and shall not shy away from pursuing all lawful means, including  causing the prosecution of violators of the Act, and the Code of Advertising Practice in Nigeria when a violation occurs, in line with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act N0 23 of 2022,” the body stated.