The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended a well-known social media personality in a dramatic early morning raid over allegations of orchestrating a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that defrauded hundreds of Nigerians out of an estimated N50 million. The suspect, whose flamboyant lifestyle and financial "mentorship" programs gained massive online followership, allegedly promised investors unrealistic returns on a fake crypto scheme.
According to EFCC officials, the influencer used multiple social media platforms to lure victims with screenshots of fake transactions and testimonials. "This was a carefully planned Ponzi scheme disguised as cryptocurrency investment," revealed EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale. Investigators uncovered at least 287 victims across five states who fell for the elaborate scam.
The arrest comes as Nigerian authorities intensify their crackdown on financial crimes in the digital space. Many victims expressed relief at the development, with some recounting how they invested their life savings based on the influencer's "trusted" online persona.
As the case unfolds, questions arise about social media regulation and financial literacy in Nigeria's booming digital economy. Will this high-profile arrest serve as a deterrent to other would-be scammers operating in the shadows of social media?
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cryptocurrency scam
digital crimes
EFCC arrest
EFCC crackdown
financial fraud
investment fraud
Nigerian crypto news
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Ponzi scheme Nigeria
social media scams