Economy
Fears of CBEX Crashing Trigger Looting of Offices in Ibadan, Others
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Offices of a popular Ponzi scheme operator, CBEX, in Ibadan and a few other places in Nigeria have been looted by some aggrieved investors.
This followed news that the company has shut down its services, with funds of several investors trapped.
Last week, there were speculations that CBEX has crashed following the inability of members to withdraw their funds.
The company quickly dispelled this, noting that it locked the wallets of its investors because of the bonuses gifted members, which must be used for trading before withdrawal.
CBEX, thereafter, assured that from Tuesday, April 15, 2025, members of the Ponzi scheme would be able to withdraw their funds without ease.
However, on Monday, it was gathered that funds in the accounts of investors were wiped off, with a notice to members that they would only be access their money upon the payment of a reactivation fee, a similar pattern of other defunct operators.
“All accounts need to undergo the following verification steps to ensure their authenticity.
“For accounts with funds below $1,000 before any losses, a deposit of $100 is required.
“For accounts with funds exceeding $1,000, a deposit of $200 is required.
“Additionally, please keep your deposit receipts to ensure you can prove the authenticity of the account during future withdrawal reviews,” the message from CBEX stated.
This development shattered the hopes of some investors, triggering a looting spree of the company’s offices.
Some videos of the internet showed moments some irate youth stormed the Ibadan office of the organisation, carting away with some valuables, including office items and others.
Many Nigerians have expressed shock at the level of acceptance of the Ponzi scheme in the country despite the harrowing experience of MMM some years ago.
Business Post reports that some weeks ago, a similar Ponzi scheme operator, Cheersway, went away with investors’ funds after it claimed its platform was hacked.
Just like CBEX, it asked members to pay a reactivation fee of their exact level, which ranges from $50, $150, $400, and $1,000, to have access to their money, but most of those who paid were never granted any access until the company folded up.
Also, those who invested in a new investment vehicle it came up with, TikTok Shop, could not receive their capital and return-on-investment as promised.
It later assured investors that it would move them to a new company established last month known as C&P Capital, noting that they would get their funds back after the new organisation makes profit, probably after two years of operations.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Stanbic IBTC Trustees, has affirmed its leadership in delivering customer-centric fiduciary and investment solutions across the region.
The company said this after it was recently recognised as the Most Customer-Focused Trust and Investment Company of the Year for Nigeria at the 2025 West Africa Innovation Awards (WAIA).
The honour bestowed on the trustee for Customer Service Excellence reinforces its reputation for delivering exceptional client experiences, driven by innovation, integrity, and a deep understanding of the evolving financial needs for their clients.
“Being recognised as the most customer-focused trust and investment company of the year is both humbling and inspiring.
“This award reflects the strong relationships we have built with our clients and our commitment to not only meet expectations but to consistently exceed them through innovative and ethical service delivery,” the chief executive-designate of the organisation, Ms Emi Agaba-Oloja, stated at the award ceremony held in Lagos.
“What sets Stanbic IBTC Trustees apart is our willingness to embrace innovation in a traditionally conservative industry.
“As we work on digital onboarding to bespoke trust solutions, we strive to simplify complex processes and deliver insights that empower our clients.
“Our goal is to make trusteeship more responsive, inclusive, and accessible to Nigerians. A sincere thank you to our clients, partners and the incredible team that continue to drive our success,” she added.
The West Africa Innovation Awards, now in their 14th year, is a leading regional platform that is attended by a wide range of government stakeholders, brand experts, and corporate leaders in West Africa.
As the field of wealth management and trust services undergoes constant transformation, Stanbic IBTC Trustees says it remains at the forefront, redefining standards and demonstrating a commitment to empathy and innovation, stressing that the award reinvigorates a drive to empower clients and protect legacies for future generations.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange increased by 0.27 per cent week-on-week in Week 16 of the 2025 trading year.
Data indicated that the bourse’s market capitalisation rose by N5.15 billion in the four-day trading week to N1.924 trillion from the N1.919 trillion it ended in the previous week and the NASD Unlisted Securities Index (NSI) went up by 8.81 points to 3,286.38 points from the 3,277.57 points recorded in the previous trading week.
The alternative stock exchange opened for business for four days as it closed shop on Friday to celebrate Good Friday, observed by Christians across the globe,
The value of trades in the week was down by 99.4 per cent to N29.35 million from the N4.79 billion recorded in Week 15, and the volume of transactions declined by 99.2 per cent to 1.33 million units from the 171.4 million units in the previous week.
The most active security by value was Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc with N15.2 million, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc recorded N6.3 million, 11 Plc traded N2.2 million, Nipco Plc posted N1.3 million, and Afriland Properties Plc reported N0.616 million.
Also, CSCS Plc was the most traded instrument by volume with 0.731 million units, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc transacted 0.227 million units, Geo-Fluids Plc recorded 0.218 million, Paintcom Investment Plc traded 0.055 million units, and Afriland Properties Plc exchanged 0.035 million units.
Last week, there were five price gainers led by Newrest Asl Plc, which appreciated by 9.9 per cent to N37.97 per share versus N34.52 per share, UBN Property Plc gained 9.6 per cent to end at N2.17 per unit versus N1.98 per unit, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc rose by 5.9 per cent to N37.64 per share from N35.55 per share, Mass Telecom Innovation Plc improved by 2.5 per cent to 41 Kobo per unit from 40 Kobo per unit, and 11 Plc surged by 1.9 per cent to N245.50 per share from N241.00 per share.
On the flip side, Geo-Fluids Plc slipped by 10.00 per cent to N1.80 per unit from N2.00 per unit, and CSCS Plc depreciated by 2.6 per cent to N22.10 per share from N22.70 per share.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Celebrities, including musicians and influencers, have been warned by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against promoting unregistered investment schemes following the recent collapse of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).
In a statement made available to the press on Sunday, the commission stated that those who promote such schemes risk legal consequences.
The warning comes following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Explicitly defining Ponzi schemes, the new law empowers the SEC to impose a minimum fine of N20 million and a jail term of 10 years on promoters of such schemes.
SEC’s Director-General, Mr Emomotimi Agama, who spoke on the provisions of the new law, said the regulator was collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute violators.
“The law also targets influencers and bloggers who promote fraudulent schemes, with clear penalties including imprisonment.
“We are therefore using this medium to warn such persons to desist from promoting unregistered entities,” Mr Agama stated.
He added that following the collapse of CBEX, a digital investment platform that allegedly defrauded Nigerians over billions, the SEC has intensified its crackdown on Ponzi operators.
“We will shut down their operations and the promoters will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Business Post reports that celebrities and influencers are often major promoters of these schemes and in the past many of them have put Nigerians at losses. One such prominent case was Racksterli, founded by Mr Michael Chidiebere Oti known as Black Gold and was promoted by top Nigerian musicians and actors which promised high return of up to 40 -50 per cent monthly.
However, the platform collapsed in 2021, leaving many investors without their capital or promised returns.
At that time, affected individuals called for the arrest of these celebrities for their roles in endorsing the Ponzi scheme.
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