EFCC arrests 28 suspected ponzi scheme operators in Minna

By MARY RONKE, Minna –

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate have arrested 28 suspected ponzi scheme operators in Minna, Niger State.

The suspects are: Nofisat Opeyemi, Shukurat Muritala, Odunayo Sanni, Mayowa Oyekola, Aishat Olaitan, Edward Hannah, Abioye Fathiah, Joseph Omowunmi, Kareem Ahmed, Arikeusola Afeez, Adiamo Mutholib, Abass Ibrahim, Wasiu Taofeek, Adeniji Damilare, Nurudeen Akinola and Mubarak Yekeen.

Others are: Adedeji Ayobami, Alani Samuel, Ogundele Yunus, Adekunle Ibrahim, Adewale Azeez, Rufai Faruk, Fawaz Yekeen, Olade Abdullahi, Ahmed Murtala, Adisa Habeebllahi Akorede, Adigun Timilehin and Abdulfatai Ridwannullah.

A statement issued by the anti-graft agency via its X handle @officialEFCC on Tuesday, said the arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent investment activities with a company, Q-Net Ltd, which operates from a three bedroom apartment in Al-Bishiri Estate, Minna, Niger State.

It said the victims were lured to believe that the company was international with affiliates in Dubai, India, Indonesia and Thailand and made to part with between $790 to $850, amounting to N1,462,000 (One Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-two Thousand) as registration fee and for product purchases.

Part of those arrested while receiving lectures on ponzi scheme operations, dressed up as “network marketing.”

Items recovered from them included Q-Net application forms and other documents.

The commission said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.