The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has commenced investigations into the activities of 32 suspects arrested on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, over alleged involvement in a Ponzi-style investment and employment scam.
The suspects were apprehended at various locations across Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by EFCC operatives.
According to EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the suspects are believed to be part of a criminal syndicate that lured unsuspecting victims with false promises of high-paying jobs in a fictitious oil and gas company named Tropicana Oil and Gas Company.
Victims were allegedly deceived into paying large sums of money as “application fees” or “accommodation deposits” to secure these non-existent positions.
Oyewale said preliminary investigations revealed the gang operated under the guise of multi-level marketing for a controversial network known as Q-Net, misrepresenting their activities as legitimate product marketing while collecting millions of naira from victims across Nigeria.
A detailed petition submitted to the EFCC by a victim, who abandoned his fashion business in Kogi state, uncovered the operations of the syndicate.
The petitioner, according to the EFCC, said he was contacted by one Sufiyan Mahmud, who informed his elder brother about a job opening at Tropicana Oil and Gas Company.
“He arrived in Uyo on June 15, 2025, only to discover the entire job offer was a scam.
“Upon arrival, he was introduced to multiple gang members, pressured into paying N200,000 initially, and ultimately defrauded of N900,000 under the pretence of employment.
“He recounted being lodged in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with other victims and was eventually asked to recruit more people into the scheme , a red flag that prompted him to leave and report the matter.
“They told me I’d be paid $100 weekly if I brought in two people. But instead of a job, they kept changing the narrative. I realized I was being groomed to scam others,” he said.
The names of the 32 arrested individuals include: Miracle Samuel, Christopher Samuel, Yohana Sabo, Ahmed Abdulahi Yarima, Reuben Ezekiel, Terfa Godwin, Zakurs Yakubu, Isah Jaafar Jagaba, Clement Nwakonobi, Rosemary Vifilo Yusuf Ataza, Francis Samuel, Tatah Fidelis, Emenike Ikechukwu, David Allawo, Danjuma Ibrahim, Blessing Seagod, Suleiman Saidu, Nuhu Bridget, Ebi Nwose, Anthony Fredrick, Mathew Satasi Zamani, Hassan Yakubu, Benjamin Obadiah, Stephen Joseph, Toma Peter, Samson Galadimma, Ochim Agnes, and Mahmud Sufiyan.
Others identified as location coordinators include Ephraim Emmanuel, Kenneth Okonkwo, Jeremiah Emmanuel, and Abdulmajid Barde.
Oyewale confirmed that the syndicate collected significant sums from numerous individuals who were promised quick returns on investments or lucrative job placements. Many victims made payments ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million naira.
The EFCC spokesperson said more victims are expected to come forward as the investigation unfolds.
The syndicate allegedly operated from several locations in Uyo, including: Ekom Iman Flyover, Transformer Junction, Abak Road, and Apostolic Lane, Nwaniba.
The anti-corruption agency said it operatives recovered 35 mobile phones, two POS machines, three public address systems, and a trove of incriminating documents and digital materials during the arrests.
Dele Oyewale also issued a public advisory on behalf of the Commission, urging Nigerians to exercise due diligence before engaging in any investment or employment-related transactions. He cautioned against responding to unsolicited offers, especially those made online or through informal channels.
“The Commission urges members of the public to always verify the legitimacy of companies and avoid schemes promising guaranteed returns or requiring upfront payments,” Oyewale stated.
