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		<title>Alleged $1bn fraud: Court rejects CBEX operators’ bail plea</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/alleged-1bn-fraud-court-rejects-cbex-operators-bail-plea/</link>
		
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		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:16:29 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=97140</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, declined to grant the bail application filed by three detained promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange, CBEX, in the alleged over one billion dollars fraud.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/alleged-1bn-fraud-court-rejects-cbex-operators-bail-plea/">Alleged $1bn fraud: Court rejects CBEX operators’ bail plea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, declined to grant the bail application filed by three detained promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange, CBEX, in the alleged over one billion dollars fraud.</p>
<p>Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held it was obvious that from the totality of the affidavit evidence of both parties, it was glaring that the character of evidence against the defendants is strong.</p>
<p>Justice Nwite also held that due to the nature of the case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, obtained an order of remand of the defendants by court of competent jurisdiction.</p>
<p>The judge observed that at the time of the application for bail by the CBEX promoters, there was no charge formally filed against the applicants.</p>
<p>He also observed that before the hearing of the instant application, a formal charge had already been filed against the defendants waiting for assignment to a particular court or judge.</p>
<p>“In view of the foregoing and taking cognisance of the nature of the case and particularly, a charge has been filed against applicants, I am of the view and I so hold that interest of justice will be met by taking this application to the court where the charge is pending for the court to take the arraignment of the applicants and hearing the bail application simultaneously.</p>
<p>“Hence, the application is refused,” the judge declared.</p>
<p>Justice Nwite had, on June 11, fixed today for the ruling after counsel for the EFCC, Fadila Yusuf, and the defence lawyers adopted their processes and argued their case for and against the application.</p>
<p>The judge had, on April 24, given the EFCC the go-ahead to arrest and detain six operators of CBEX over their involvement in the fraud.</p>
<p>The judge, who gave the order after the EFCC’s lawyer, Yusuf, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, said the detention would be pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.</p>
<p>The six suspects include Adefowora Abiodun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede.</p>
<p>Others are Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.</p>
<p>In the motion ex-parte dated and filed April 23 by Yusuf, the anti-graft agency gave four grounds for its application.</p>
<p>She said the EFCC had a statutory duty of prevention and detection of financial crimes through investigation.</p>
<p>Yusuf said that “the defendants are at large and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.”</p>
<p>Adefowora Abiodun (1st defendant), Avwerosuo Otorudo (5th defendant) and Chukwuebuka Ehirim (6th defendant) have been in the EFCC’s custody on investigation.</p>
<p>Upon resumed hearing on the last adjourned date, Babatunde Busari, who appeared for Abiodun, and Justice Otorudo, who represented Otorudo and Ehirim, informed the court that they had filed bail applications on their clients’ behalf.</p>
<p><em><strong>READ ALSO: <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/beware-of-fake-loan-portal-nelfund-alerts-students/" aria-label="“Beware of fake loan portal, NELFUND alerts students” (Edit)">Beware of fake loan portal, NELFUND alerts students</a></strong></em></p>
<p>In their motion on notice brought pursuant to Section 35(1) (4) and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 158, 162 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the lawyers sought one order.</p>
<p>They sought an order of the court varying its earlier order made on April 24 which granted the EFCC leave to arrest and detain the applicants, by granting bail pending the conclusion of the investigations and possible arraignment and trial.</p>
<p>After the arguments of the defence lawyers, the EFCC counsel, Yusuf, vehemently opposed their bail request.</p>
<p>She told the court that their application had been overtaken by event as a charge had already been filed against them.</p>
<p>The lawyer argued that all the defendants in the matter are being charged for offence of obtaining over N1 billion dollars, more than some states’ budgets in Nigeria.</p>
<p>“It is in fact more than a budget of about 10 states joined together my lord,” she said.</p>
<p>She said the commission was still receiving petitions from victims of the alleged fraud.</p>
<p>The lawyer said though granting bail is at the discretion of the court, this should be done judiciously and judicially, urging the court to dismiss same.</p>
<p>In the ruling on Monday, Justice Nwite also dismissed the defence argument that Abiodun, who is the 1st defendant, was indisposed and hence needed a medical attention.</p>
<p>The judge held that the defence had not shown in their affidavit evidence that the EFCC could not take the defendants to a hospital for the specialist attention.</p>
<p>The EFCC, in the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte filed against the defendants, said sometimes in April 2025, it received an intel bothering on an alleged investment scheme fraud against the defendants.</p>
<p>It alleged that the defendants and their company, ST Technologies International Limited, using another company, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) perpetrated the alleged fraud and the case was received and assigned to its Cybercrimes Section for investigation.</p>
<p>The agency said the preliminary investigation into the intel revealed the following:</p>
<p>“That Messrs Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko and Seyi Oloyede, using their company ST Technologies International Limited, promoted another company Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) by making advert and lured unsuspecting members of public to invest crypto currencies on CBEX investment platform.”</p>
<p>The EFCC averred that the defendants promised unrealistic return on investment of up to 100%.</p>
<p>“That the victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stable coin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects crypto wallet.</p>
<p>“That the victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment.</p>
<p>“That following deposits valued at over 1 Billion Dollars by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made.</p>
<p>“That the victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam.</p>
<p>“That during the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.</p>
<p>“That it was also discovered during investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun States.”</p>
<p>The anti-graft agency said that a warrant of arrest was required to place the defendants on red watch list so that they could be traced and arrested to answer to the case against them.</p>
<p>According to the commission, investigation into the allegation against the defendants revealed a prima facie case of investment scam.</p>
<p>It said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application.</p>
<p><strong><em>Source: NAN </em></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/alleged-1bn-fraud-court-rejects-cbex-operators-bail-plea/">Alleged $1bn fraud: Court rejects CBEX operators’ bail plea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<title>Investment or scam? How ponzi are hurting Nigeria’s economic value</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/investment-or-scam-how-ponzi-are-hurting-nigerias-economic-value/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:45:45 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=94881</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In a country teeming with entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness, it's troubling how often Nigerians fall prey to financial traps wrapped in new packaging. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/investment-or-scam-how-ponzi-are-hurting-nigerias-economic-value/">Investment or scam? How ponzi are hurting Nigeria’s economic value</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By <strong>DEJI NEHAN</strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>From MMM to CBEX: Why We Keep Falling for the Same Scam</p>
<p>In a country teeming with entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness, it&#8217;s troubling how often Nigerians fall prey to financial traps wrapped in new packaging. The latest among them, CBEX, promised wealth and delivered disaster. Before it all crumbled, thousands believed in its dream of high crypto returns. But like MMM before it, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare.</p>
<p>CBEX operated with the same method that has fooled people for decades paying earlier investors with the money from new ones. At its height, it reportedly managed over ₦1 billion, attracting thousands with guarantees of 15% returns in one year or 35% in five. And then, as suddenly as it had risen, it vanished, leaving shattered savings and broken trust in its wake.</p>
<p>The Root of the Problem: Greed and Desperation</p>
<p>It’s easy to blame the scammers, but part of the responsibility lies within society that enables such schemes to thrive. The allure of quick money, combined with economic pressure, makes the average person vulnerable. People are not investing but gambling with their future, hoping for a lifeline.</p>
<p>Greed, ignorance, and a lack of financial education are key drivers. In many cases, even the educated fall victim, not because they don’t know the risks, but because the fear of missing out overshadows reason. Desperation amplifies the appeal of impossibly high returns, especially when someone nearby testifies to getting paid.</p>
<p>How Ponzi Schemes Damage the Economy</p>
<p>The fallout from Ponzi schemes extends beyond the victims. They weaken the national economy by disrupting trust in legitimate financial institutions and businesses. When citizens and investors lose confidence in the system, capital flow shrinks. People avoid investing, fearing loss, and instead keep money idle in bank accounts. As a result, economic growth slows down due to underinvestment in productive sectors.</p>
<p><strong><em>READ ALSO:</em> <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/ndlea-raids-lagos-hotel-recovers-n1-042bn-illicit-drugs/" aria-label="“NDLEA raids Lagos hotel, recovers N1.042bn illicit drugs” (Edit)">NDLEA raids Lagos hotel, recovers N1.042bn illicit drugs</a></strong></p>
<p>These schemes distort the investment landscape, diverting funds from agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, and other industries that could genuinely grow the economy. They foster a culture of gambling over building and reward deceit over innovation.</p>
<p>When such collapses become common, they create an unstable financial environment. This fragility discourages both local and foreign investment, making the country appear high-risk to legitimate investors. In the long run, the economic consequences ripple across sectors, creating a domino effect that can take years to reverse.</p>
<p>The Diaspora’s Trust is at Risk</p>
<p>The Nigerian diaspora is one of the country’s strongest financial backbones, remitting over $20 billion annually. Many of them seek to invest back home not just for profit, but to connect with their roots and contribute to development. However, repeated cases of failed investment schemes, especially in property, agriculture, and crypto, are eroding that trust.</p>
<p>Imagine working and saving for years abroad, only to be defrauded by a company promising 40% returns on real estate or 50% profit from a farm you never see. These stories are becoming common, and they paint a troubling picture for anyone looking at Nigeria from outside. They feed a narrative that investing in Nigeria is a risk not worth taking, which damages the nation’s image and weakens its capacity to attract diaspora capital.</p>
<p>The Global Perspective: Even the Mighty Can Fall</p>
<p>It’s important to recognize that financial fraud is not exclusive to Nigeria. In the United States, Sam Bankman-Fried, once a crypto billionaire and founder of the popular exchange FTX, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding hundreds of thousands of customers. His platform, once considered legitimate, collapsed into scandal, shaking confidence in crypto markets worldwide.</p>
<p>This highlights that fraud thrives in opaque environments, digital or traditional when regulation is weak, and investors let down their guard. Nigeria is not uniquely corrupt or gullible, but it must act faster and smarter to protect its people from preventable financial disasters.</p>
<blockquote><p>There is no shortcut to sustainable wealth, only consistent effort, strategic planning, and transparency. That is the path Nigeria must walk if it hopes to build a stable, inclusive, and investor-friendly economy.</p></blockquote>
<p>Cryptocurrency, Forex Trading, and Digital Mirage</p>
<p>Cryptocurrency and forex trading are among the most misunderstood yet most hyped financial markets in Nigeria today. While there are legitimate platforms, Ponzi schemes have hijacked the popularity of crypto to dupe unsuspecting Nigerians. Schemes like CBEX often disguise themselves as blockchain projects or trading platforms, making bold claims of doubling money in weeks through automated trading bots or &#8216;smart contracts.</p>
<p>These schemes exploit the fact that many Nigerians are unfamiliar with how crypto, and forex truly work. Terms like &#8216;Bitcoin mining&#8217;, &#8216;forex leverage&#8217;, and &#8216;NFT staking&#8217; are thrown around to confuse and impress. But behind the curtain, there’s often no trading or mining just money moving from one victim to the next. The government must update regulations to address this rapidly evolving space or risk more economic damage.</p>
<p>The Hidden Threat of Loan Sharks Masquerading as Helpers</p>
<p>Loan sharks are another form of financial exploitation that thrives in times of economic hardship. They often operate online or through informal groups, offering quick cash without collateral but at impossibly high-interest rates. When repayment becomes difficult, they harass borrowers through public shame, threats, and even violence.</p>
<p>These exploitative lenders damage the economy by trapping people in cycles of debt, making it difficult for them to save, invest, or build any financial stability. Loan sharks should not be confused with microfinance banks or credit unions, which are licensed and regulated. The government must crack down on these operations, especially those that prey on vulnerable communities and the unbanked.</p>
<p>The Illusion of Quick Wealth</p>
<p>Across sectors like property and agriculture, companies are sprouting up promising outsized returns. From 15% to 40% in a year, the numbers sound too good to be true and usually are. While a few may pay in the early days, the model is often unsustainable. When inflows slow down, these firms crumble, leaving investors with nothing.</p>
<p>Even agricultural schemes, once seen as safe bets, have been tainted. Fake agri-tech companies collect millions from the public, show photos of non-existent farms, and vanish. This hurts not just the victims but the genuine players in the sector who now struggle to gain trust or attract funding.</p>
<p>The same applies to real estate, where land flipping and property sales are repackaged as investment schemes, promising high annual returns. When markets stall or deals fall through, investors are left without returns and without recourse.</p>
<p>Are the Regulators Sleeping?</p>
<p>Nigeria has regulatory agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), all tasked with protecting the financial system. However, many of these schemes operate in spaces too fast or too unregulated for traditional oversight especially in the digital and crypto sectors.</p>
<p>These gaps need to be closed. Financial surveillance systems must evolve to cover fintech, crypto, and online investment platforms. More importantly, enforcement must be swift, transparent, and public, to serve as a deterrent. Public education campaigns should be part of the government’s response teaching citizens how to identify fraud, report it, and protect their finances.</p>
<p>Trust Takes Time, But Fraud Destroys It Overnight</p>
<p>The story of GTBank is a lesson in patience and credibility. The bank reached a ₦1 trillion market capitalization through decades of transparency, service, and regulatory compliance. CBEX, in contrast, hit ₦1 billion in months without any real foundation. One grew through trust. The other grew through deceit.</p>
<p>If Nigeria wants to be a safe destination for investment both for its citizens and its diaspora, it must build trust deliberately and protect it fiercely. Every fraudulent scheme that succeeds sends a signal to the world that investing in Nigeria is unsafe. That perception must change.</p>
<p>Avoiding the Next CBEX: A Call for Vigilance</p>
<p>CBEX has left behind a painful lesson. To avoid future disasters, investors must ask the hard questions: Is this platform registered with the SEC? Can they clearly explain how profits are made? Are the returns realistic? Regulatory agencies must move faster to identify and shut down fraudulent platforms. Education is key citizens need to understand that no legitimate investment guarantees huge profits without risk. And the government must launch awareness campaigns to alert the public and especially the diaspora, whose remittances are often targeted. Financial stability cannot grow in the same soil as financial fraud. Nigeria must weed out Ponzi schemes, not only for the safety of today’s investors but for the future of its economy.</p>
<p>Reclaiming Confidence in the Economy</p>
<p>To restore faith in Nigeria’s investment landscape, the government must take stronger steps to regulate, prosecute, and prevent Ponzi operations. Financial literacy must become part of the national conversation, embedded in our schools, workplaces, and communities.</p>
<p>Investors, too, must be more discerning. If an opportunity cannot clearly explain how money is made, it’s best to be left alone. Investment should be based on value, not vibes.</p>
<p>There is no shortcut to sustainable wealth, only consistent effort, strategic planning, and transparency. That is the path Nigeria must walk if it hopes to build a stable, inclusive, and investor-friendly economy.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/investment-or-scam-how-ponzi-are-hurting-nigerias-economic-value/">Investment or scam? How ponzi are hurting Nigeria’s economic value</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<title>Ponzi schemes and greedy Nigerians, By Kazeem Akintunde</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/ponzi-schemes-and-greedy-nigerians-by-kazeem-akintunde/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Apr 2025 23:06:48 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=94644</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It was the great Indian nationalist, Mahatma Ghandhi, who said in one of his popular quotes: “There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.” Ghandi was born October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India, and died January 30, 1948.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/ponzi-schemes-and-greedy-nigerians-by-kazeem-akintunde/">Ponzi schemes and greedy Nigerians, By Kazeem Akintunde</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was the great Indian nationalist, Mahatma Ghandhi, who said in one of his popular quotes: “There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.” Ghandi was born October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India, and died January 30, 1948.</p>
<p>A lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer, he became the leader of the Indian Independence Movement against British rule and as such, was considered the father of the nation. He was also revered worldwide for his doctrine of non-violent protest to achieve political and social progress. In the eyes of millions of fellow Indians, Ghandhi was the Mahatma (Great Soul) adored by his people. In his lifetime, he led a simple life, devoid of ostentation and greed.</p>
<p>His doctrine and simple lifestyle, however, does not seem to jell well amongst Nigerians. Many of my compatriots in this part of the world are always on the lookout for fast business ideas or scheme that would generate huge returns in a heartbeat.  To many of them, this life is all about making money and more money. In their quest for money, many have sold their souls to the devil whilst others have fallen victims to fellow desperados. In Nigeria, we are comfortable becoming wealthy on the sweat of fellow human beings.</p>
<p>Many of us are in the business of ‘manufacturing’ fake drugs and other household consumables that could kill others just to make financial gains. Some actually kill others for rituals in their quest to get rich quick. Some are fraudsters, making money illegally from fellow Nigerians and foreigners, earning us a bad reputation globally. The most lucrative of all these days is kidnapping for ransom – with some of the victims never returning to freedom. To many of these groups of people, the end justifies the means.</p>
<p>The latest scam that has gone bust is Crypto Bridge Exchange, CBEX, which has left over 600,000 Nigerians stranded after investments in the region of N1.3 trillion disappeared into thin air. Though a Chinese Company, the promoters of CBEX in Nigeria operated under a company registered as ST Technologies International Limited. ST Technologies was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission on September 25, 2024, and also with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering on January 16, 2025.</p>
<p>ST Technologies International Limited Company has Registration No. 7955973.</p>
<p>Similarly, the EFCC’s certificate of January 16, 2025, stated, “ST Technologies International Limited has been duly registered in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(2)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and any other applicable law or regulation.”</p>
<p>For the most part of last week, many CBEX investors, no, greedy Nigerians, who were sweet-talked into an investment that promises 100 per cent return in 30 days have been weeping and wailing. From the rich and the educated to the illiterate members of the public, the gullible and the greedy fell for the scam and are now paying dearly for it. To take part in the scheme, investors need a minimum trading amount of $100, which matured for cash-out with profit after 30 days.</p>
<p>The Yoruba have a saying that people should be aware of those that promises them to turn 20 into 40 overnight (So Ogun Di Ogoji). But many Nigerians won’t listen.</p>
<p>The term “Ponzi scheme” originates from Charles Ponzi, who infamously defrauded investors in the 1920s by promising astronomical returns, paying early investors with the money of new recruits. When recruitment slowed, the scheme collapsed. This simple but dangerous formula has thrived in Nigeria since the 1980s, and what started as small-scale scams has evolved into increasingly sophisticated, large-scale digital platforms like CBEX, the latest Ponzi behemoth.</p>
<p>The 1980s saw one of Nigeria’s earliest recorded Ponzi schemes, Umanah Umanah, which set the stage for the decades of fraud to follow. Promising high returns on investment, many were drawn into and it eventually collapsed, leaving a significant number of people in financial ruin. However, estimates of losses remain undetermined, and the number of victims is largely unknown. This was just the beginning.</p>
<p><strong><em>READ ALSO:</em> <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/ndlea-pushes-for-drug-tests-on-nysc-members/" aria-label="“NDLEA pushes for drug tests on NYSC members” (Edit)">NDLEA pushes for drug tests on NYSC members</a></strong></p>
<p>By 2015, Ponzi schemes in Nigeria had become more organised and widespread, with the arrival of MMM Nigeria. The Russian-originated scheme promised 30% monthly returns through a peer-to-peer donation model, which quickly attracted over three million Nigerians. In December 2016, it crashed, leaving a trail of destruction and estimated losses of N18 billion ($11, 160, 000 million). Yet, this was not an isolated incident.</p>
<blockquote><p>It is however certain that no matter the level of education and enlightenment campaign by those in authority, the greed of most Nigerians would not allow them to think rationally when it comes to making quick money from Ponzi schemes.</p></blockquote>
<p>As the digital age gained momentum, so did the sophistication of scams. Following the collapse of MMM, several copycat schemes emerged, using referral-based models and matrix systems. Twinkas, Ultimate Cycler, and Get Help Worldwide were amongst the most notorious, with Twinkas alone defrauding thousands of Nigerians of hundreds of millions of naira. The wave of digital scams continued to grow, but Nigerians, lured by the promise of quick wealth, remained vulnerable.</p>
<p>In 2019, another scam, Loom Money, swept through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. With promises of 800% returns in just 48 hours, it preyed on the desperation of individuals seeking an escape from Nigeria’s pressing economic difficulties. Again, Loom Money collapsed and left countless investors empty-handed, with losses estimated at N2 billion. Yet, these scams were merely a precursor to the most devastating Ponzi scheme Nigeria would face.</p>
<p>The MBA Forex, which operated between 2018 and 2020, promised a 15% monthly return on forex trading investments. The company ultimately defrauded investors of a staggering N213 billion. Protests erupted at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with victims demanding justice for their massive losses. But the regulator, though aware of the growing threat, struggled to keep pace with the fast-evolving landscape of digital fraud.</p>
<p>The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, estimates that Nigerians have lost N911.45 billion to Ponzi schemes over 23 years, with CBEX pushing the total well beyond N2 trillion.</p>
<p>Many Nigerians, facing crippling inflation, an unstable naira, and high unemployment rate, are drawn to the promise of quick wealth. But they forget the simple rule: When it seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam that people should run away from. But that is when many Nigerians would want to try their luck, and in the process, have their fingers burnt.</p>
<p>Recognising a Ponzi scheme is crucial, and the EFCC recently offered a useful checklist to investors on what to look out for in schemes offering any tempting investment opportunities. These include: Unrealistic returns, unregistered operations, pressure to recruit, digital-only platforms, and unclear business models. Despite these red flags, greed and lack of basic economic principles make more and more Nigerians to continue to fall victims to scammers. Many are still tempted to invest, driven by the fear of missing out on what seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Greed.</p>
<p>The crash of the CBEX ponzi scheme has sparked a wave of protests and looting across several states. One of the most notable incidents occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the CBEX office located in Oke-Ado was looted by angry investors and residents last week. A large crowd of angry investors broke into the building, destroyed equipment, and carted away office property.</p>
<p>Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, showing looters dismantling furniture and carrying items out of the premises. The looting extended to nearby shops and buildings before security operatives arrived to disperse the crowd. Now, the police and other security operatives are keeping vigil at CBEX offices across the country.</p>
<p>Again, the crash of the CBEX scheme has raised questions about the ability of the regulatory authorities to curb the rising wave of Ponzi schemes in the country. Although the Nigeria Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), came out to say that CBEX was not licenced to operate in Nigeria, what was the agency doing when it started mobilising funds from Nigerians? There were signs worldwide that the operations of CBEX may not conform with extant laws.</p>
<p>In April 2024, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued a warning against CBEX Group and Bitget Pro for suspected virtual asset-related fraudulent activities. The SFC reported that investors faced difficulties with withdrawals and unauthorised transactions. The commission also noted that CBEX falsely claimed to hold digital asset licenses in Canada and Japan which was discovered to be false.</p>
<p>Just few weeks back, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act, 2025 (ISA 2025). The law empowers the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the apex regulator of the capital market, to register and regulate securities exchanges, commodity exchanges, virtual and digital asset exchanges, and other market venues.</p>
<p>The law makes it illegal to operate digital asset exchanges or online foreign exchange trading platforms without formal registration with the Commission.</p>
<p>The Commission had noted that, “under the newly enacted legislation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now empowered to regulate a broader scope of market activities”, adding that promoters and operators of Ponzi schemes under the new law, face a jail term of 10 years or more.</p>
<p>The SEC further explained that the law stipulates a minimum fine of N20 million for anyone operating a Ponzi scheme in Nigeria. But in spite of the law, regulatory agencies still allow many Nigerians to fall victims to CBEX.</p>
<p>While many Nigerians are interested in investing in the country, Banks have made savings and other forms of investments unattractive in the country with their unreasonable charges. A saving of just N50,000 with most Nigerian Banks will start depleting within the twinkle of an eye, and before you know it, N50,000 has reduced to N45,865. Charges such as card maintenance, ATM withdrawal, stamp duty, and a legion of others rapidly deplete depositors’ money, making average Nigerians to now avoid most commercial Banks in the country and preferring to keep their money at home under mattresses and inside their pillows. Savings accounts that should attract some interest are no longer forthcoming, and the little they pay to those with fixed funds is nothing to write home about.</p>
<p>Those still using the banking system complain daily. Yet, yearly, most of the Banks declare huge figures as profits and dividends payable to their shareholders. While the EFCC has promised to assist defrauded Nigerians to retrieve their funds from CBEX, it is doubtful if any tangible result would come out of the exercise.</p>
<p>What they should do more is to stop any Ponzi scheme from taking off in Nigeria before Nigerians are drawn into it. The security and Exchange Commission (SEC) should carry out more enlightenment campaigns to dissuade Nigerians from all these tricksters posing as investment houses. It is however certain that no matter the level of education and enlightenment campaign by those in authority, the greed of most Nigerians would not allow them to think rationally when it comes to making quick money from Ponzi schemes. CBEX is not the first time Nigerians would lose funds to Ponzi schemes and it would definitely not be the last.</p>
<p>See you next week.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/ponzi-schemes-and-greedy-nigerians-by-kazeem-akintunde/">Ponzi schemes and greedy Nigerians, By Kazeem Akintunde</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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		<title>EXTRA: CBEX and other issues, By Asaju Tunde</title>
		<link>https://frontpageng.com/extra-cbex-and-other-issues-by-asaju-tunde/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[frontpageng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:40:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[My view]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cbex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ponzi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tunde]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://frontpageng.com/?p=94490</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Years ago as a student in London, England, I was hoping to buy a camcorder. I had no childhood pictures and I didn&#8217;t want my children to end up like me. One morning, on my way to school, I met these guys in their vehicle. They said they came to watch their team play from [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/extra-cbex-and-other-issues-by-asaju-tunde/">EXTRA: CBEX and other issues, By Asaju Tunde</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Years ago as a student in London, England, I was hoping to buy a camcorder. I had no childhood pictures and I didn&#8217;t want my children to end up like me. One morning, on my way to school, I met these guys in their vehicle. They said they came to watch their team play from Italy and spent all their money. They just need gas money to get home. They had a Sony camcorder for sale. My eyes opened like one waiting for Baba Ìjẹ̀bú lottery win. I told them I only had £100. They urged me to pay more. I refused.</p>
<p>They accepted my offer and followed me to a gas station with an ATM machine.</p>
<p>The chap was too close to me as I was putting my pin and I asked him to keep off, he did. I withdrew the cash and handed it to him. He handed me a heavy camcorder bag (that I still have) and they sped off. I opened it and discovered two congealed drinks inside.</p>
<p>In London, I started shouting olè, thief and everyone was looking at me like I had lost it. Indeed I did lose it. They disappeared with my hard-saved student allowance.</p>
<p>I went to the police and as I was narrating the process, they helped me fill the dotted lines. They knew the story. I would get an incident report and nothing more.</p>
<p>Years later, I was painfully recounting this event to a man I was meeting for the first time. He looked at me with disdain and asked if I was a Christian or Muslim. I didn&#8217;t think my faith had anything to do with the narration, but I professed being Christian. He told me I deserved what I got.</p>
<p><strong><em>READ ALSO:</em> <a class="row-title" href="https://frontpageng.com/faac-fg-states-lgs-share-n1-578trn-for-march/" aria-label="“FAAC: FG, states, LGs share N1.578trn for March” (Edit)">FAAC: FG, states, LGs share N1.578trn for March</a></strong></p>
<p>He explained that if I was the true follower of Christ, I would not attempt to &#8216;take advantage&#8217; of people claiming to be stranded. I should have given them a gift of whatever I could afford and not try to scam them off their property. That camcorder sold for about £500 in stores.</p>
<blockquote><p>If you have been scammed by CBEX or any other Ponzi scheme, no apologies, you deserve what you got.</p></blockquote>
<p>I opened my mouth in surprise. I believe he is right. I learnt the second lesson of trying to get wealthy at other people&#8217;s expense.</p>
<p>As a young man, Karl Marx had removed the urge to bet from me. He used the analogy of an old horse that the owner wants to get rid of. He knows the value, but wants more. So, he sells cheap tickets and everybody wants to own the horse. In the end, only one lucky dip wins, but maybe 300 people paid for his win.</p>
<p>The moral of the story is that, betting is as sure a way to wealth as the chances of being hit by lightning.</p>
<p>If you have been scammed by CBEX or any other Ponzi scheme, no apologies, you deserve what you got.</p>
<p>I am in the allergy clinic for my monthly booster shot, you can come and beat me up. After that, I am going to work, you can way lay me on the road or break the government security to come and beat me up.</p>
<p><em>Ẹni ń wá fà ń wó fò</em>. Jesus told Zacheus &#8211; be content with your wages. Ghandhi said that there is enough in this world to meet everyone&#8217;s need, but there&#8217;ll never be enough to meet everybody&#8217;s greed.</p>
<p>Bye.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://frontpageng.com/extra-cbex-and-other-issues-by-asaju-tunde/">EXTRA: CBEX and other issues, By Asaju Tunde</a> appeared first on <a href="https://frontpageng.com">Frontpageng</a>.</p>
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