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
President Tinubu Leaves for Kenya, Rwanda and France to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
At the two summits, President Tinubu will deliver statements highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to reposition the nation as a prime destination for investment and growth. He will also hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2nd, on a visit to Kenya, Rwanda and France.
The itinerary details are provided by Bayo Onanuga,Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy), as follows:
” President Tinubu’s first stop will be in France, after which he will depart for Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled to begin next week.
Co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto, the summit focuses on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, restructuring of global financing architecture, and climate action.
President Tinubu’s participation at the summit from May 11- 12 will underscore Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic.
The summit, with the theme – “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” – will provide a high-level platform for African leaders and their French counterparts to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including economic transformation, climate resilience, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, technological advancement, and peace-building initiatives.
At the end of the Kenyan summit, President Tinubu will depart for Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the annual Africa CEO Forum, taking place between May 14th and 15th.
With the theme “Scale or Fail”, this year’s Africa CEO Forum will be the largest gathering of African private sector leaders, investors, and policymakers, focusing on accelerating economic transformation through shared scale, regional integration, and increased cross-border investment.
Held in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the summit brings together over 2,000 top executives and national leaders to debate strategies for building resilient, competitive industries.
At the two summits, President Tinubu will deliver statements highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to reposition the nation as a prime destination for investment and growth. He will also hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders.
President Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some of his ministers and senior aides.
He will return to Nigeria at the end of the Rwanda summit. “
Business
Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Arrest of World Bank Official Calling for Reinstatement of Petroleum Import Licences
Declaring the unnamed World Bank official persona non grata, the Committee gave the Bank 30 days to issue a public retraction and written apology.
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has call for the dismissal and arrest of the World Bank official responsible for the April 7, 2026 Nigeria Development Update, which recommended the reinstatement of petroleum import licences.
The Committee described the recommendation as a reckless move capable of undermining Nigeria’s indigenous refining capacity.
In a formal resolution, the Committee condemned the World Bank report, which claimed that imported petroleum products are 12 percent cheaper than those from the Dangote Refinery.
It rejected the position as contrary to Nigeria’s national economic interest and an unacceptable interference in the country’s sovereign petroleum policy.
Declaring the unnamed World Bank official persona non grata, the Committee gave the Bank 30 days to issue a public retraction and written apology.
It further demanded that the staff member responsible for the report be relieved of their duties and subjected to investigation.
Business
Senate approves Tinubu’s $516.3m loan
The syndicated financing facility is being sought from Deutsche Bank, according to a letter of request Tinubu sent to the Senate last Thursday.
The Senate has approved the $516.3 million loan requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The money will be used for the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (Section One, Phase 1A and B).
The approval was given on Wednesday after the Senate considered the report of its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
The committee, chaired by Senator Magatagarda Wamakko, recommended the approval of the loan.
The syndicated financing facility is being sought from Deutsche Bank, according to a letter of request Tinubu sent to the Senate last Thursday.
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