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Top Ten Ponzi Schemes That Have Stolen From Nigerians

From MMM to CBEX, here’s a rundown of the most notable scams that have drained billions from Nigerians since 2016.

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Despite repeated warnings by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria, , Nigerians continue to fall victim to Ponzi schemes promising quick returns.

From MMM to CBEX, here’s a rundown of the most notable scams that have drained billions from Nigerians since 2016.

1. MMM Nigeria (2016)

The most infamous Ponzi scheme in Nigeria’s history, MMM Nigeria promised returns of up to 30% within 30 days. The scheme attracted millions before it crashed in December 2016, leaving countless investors in financial ruin.

2. Ultimate Cycler, Get Help Worldwide, Twinkas, iCharity Club, Loopers Club, Givers Forum (2016)

These platforms emerged in the shadow of MMM’s popularity. Using referral networks and cycling models, they lured thousands with mouthwatering promises, only to vanish within months.

3. NNN Nigeria, MMM Cooperation, GCCH, RevoMoney (2017)

After the MMM crash, copycat schemes took over, rebranding old models with new names. NNN and MMM Cooperation tried to ride on the MMM name, exploiting previous participants who still hoped to recover losses.

4. Bitclub Advantage, Million Money, Helping Hands International (2018)

These schemes masqueraded as crypto-based platforms or charity networks.

They capitalized on the growing interest in digital currencies but delivered the same outcome — massive losses.

5. Loom and Crowd1 (2019)

Viral social media campaigns fueled the rise of Loom and Crowd1. Promoters used WhatsApp and Facebook to promise “double your money” schemes that quickly collapsed when recruitment stalled.

6. InksNation, Lion’s Share, Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative (2020)

InksNation promised a digital currency that would end poverty but was shut down by the SEC. Baraza claimed to be a cooperative but operated like a classic Ponzi, while Lion’s Share mimicked MLM structures.

7. Racksterli, Eagle Cooperative, 86FB (2020–2021)

These platforms used influencer marketing and sports betting gimmicks. 86FB, in particular, gained popularity before crashing spectacularly, taking millions from investors.

8. FINAFRICA, Royal Q (Nigeria version), Ovaioza (2022)

FINAFRICA used the lure of forex trading. Royal Q posed as a crypto trading bot, and Ovaioza claimed to store and sell agricultural produce. All failed to deliver on promised returns.

9. CALA Finance, 6Dollars Investment, Sidra Investment, WealthBuddy, Compoundly (2023–2024)

These new-age platforms were heavily marketed online. Sidra was a clone scam, while others mimicked DeFi and crypto investment trends, using hype and bonuses to attract victims.

10. BitFinance Global and CBEX (2025)

In the latest wave, BitFinance Global and CBEX are among the schemes already causing financial pain in 2025.

They repeat the same patterns — false claims, unrealistic returns, and eventual disappearance.

(Words and Image credit: Vanguard )

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Business

CBN approves Union Bank, Titan merger

The bank has assured customers that there will be no disruption to existing services, account details will remain unchanged, and customers will continue to access a full suite of products and services seamlessly.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the merger of Union Bank of Nigeria with Titan Trust Bank Limited,.

This is disclosed in a statement from the bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilayo Aluko.

Under the terms of the merger, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets.

The new institution will continue to operate under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust Bank ceases to exist as a separate entity.

With an expanded footprint of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by strengthened digital channels, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value across retail, SME and corporate segments.

Union Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yetunde Oni, described the development as “a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers.

By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.”

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bayo Adeleke, added: “This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.”

The bank has assured customers that there will be no disruption to existing services, account details will remain unchanged, and customers will continue to access a full suite of products and services seamlessly, with an accelerated push towards enhanced digital solutions.

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We are under attack – NNPCL GCEO, Ojulari

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Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has announced that he and his management team are currently under serious threat.

Ojulari said his offense is the reforms he has introduced in the oil and gas sector in line with the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu to turn around the moribund refinery.

He raised this alarm on Thursday, lamenting that some powerful elements are plotting to remove him from the seat.

The NNPCL boss raised the alarm when he received the delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the company’s headquarters, Abuja.

Details shortly…

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Business

Govt, stakeholders to explore industrial policy at W’Africa Manufacturing summit

The collaboration will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition 2025, scheduled for October 2025, in Lagos.

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•The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh

The Federal Government has committed to exploring strategies for implementing the new National Industrial Policy to scale industries and transform West Africa’s economic future, alongside manufacturing stakeholders at an upcoming summit.

The collaboration will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition 2025, scheduled for October 2025, in Lagos.

The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos, declared that Nigeria will build its industrial policy on past executive orders targeted at promoting local content, but with a stronger push through the Nigeria First policy.

He said, “The previous administrations have tried to enable industrial growth by coming up with various executive orders.

Those include Executive Orders Three and Five, which were targeted at matters about public procurement and giving priority to Nigerian-made goods.

With the announcement of the Nigeria First policy, what becomes of it will be a function of what this administration does.”

Enoh noted that the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment would follow up on the policy with a nationwide campaign to promote patronage of Nigerian goods and services.

He explained, “The hope is that in the next few months, we’re going to start a national campaign on buying made-in-Nigeria goods and services to follow up the presidential pronouncement of the Nigeria First policy.

We found out that the country could earn about N3tn more in the short term if we can run a successful campaign that can also shift the attitudes of Nigerians.

(The Punch)

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