Business
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.
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 )
Business
Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,397
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,850
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,363. 83
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 25
EURO (EUR) ₦1,572. 90
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,706. 49
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.50
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201.20
West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40
West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,857. 45
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363. 29
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.61
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,397 Sell ₦1,405
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,870
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,587 Sell ₦1, 607
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100
South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370
Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200
Ghana Cedi (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110
West African CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460
Central African CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300
Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Business
Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.
Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.
Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.
“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.
The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.
Business
Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.
The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.
FIFA World Cup Day 2: Canada holds 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Democracy Still Struggling 33 Years After June 12, PDP Laments by Comrade Ini Ememobong
JUNE 12: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day Address (Full Speech)
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business2 days agoExchange Rates Thursday,11June 2026
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrives Lagos
-
Business3 days agoFG Plans to Extend Lagos Rail Line to Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals
-
Politics3 days agoBamidele tasks 11th Senate to consider single term for President, govs
-
Business2 days agoKingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
-
News2 days agoBREAKING: House of Reps Unveils New Minority Leader
-
News2 days agoNLC President Joe Ajaero wins Arthur Svensson International award for worker’s rights
-
Business2 days agoFCMB appoints Rewane non-executive director, board chair