Abia: Alleged Fraud Syndicate Arrested In Umuahia

Tension gripped several major markets in Umuahia following the arrest of a group of suspected fraudsters accused of allegedly defrauding traders of millions of naira through a deceptive investment scheme operating across different parts of the state.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended after several market men and women raised alarm over an alleged fraudulent operation in which victims were persuaded to invest sums ranging from N10,000 to over N5 million with promises of receiving a 30 percent return within a few days.

The alleged scam reportedly affected traders in major markets including Oriugba Market, Ubani Market and Ahịa-ukwu Olokoro.

According to reports, the matter came to public attention on May 5, 2026, after a concerned resident contacted Spinfm Radio in Umuahia, alleging that a group of individuals had been moving from one market to another collecting money from unsuspecting traders under false pretences.

Victims alleged that the suspects introduced themselves as representatives of a company allegedly backed by foreign investors. Traders were reportedly told that anyone who invested money would receive a 30 percent profit within three days. As part of the arrangement, investors were immediately given solar-powered touch lights as gifts while awaiting payment of their returns.

A vegetable seller who confirmed the incident said she invested 1 million Naira after being assured she would receive N1.3 million within days.

“They convinced us that the business was genuine. They said it was aimed at helping traders and empowering people financially. Some people even received payments initially, which made many others trust them, without knowing it is a game to get more people” she said.

Several traders explained that the scheme appeared credible at first because some early participants allegedly received their promised returns, encouraging others to invest larger sums.

One female trader narrated how she initially declined the offer due to previous experiences with similar schemes but later agreed after repeated persuasion by one of the promoters.

According to her, she first invested N100,000 and was given a solar light with the promise that she would receive N130,000 after three days.

She stated that the promised payment was eventually made, which convinced many traders that the business was legitimate.

“The woman told me it was a company owned by a white man who wanted to help people and make a name in Nigeria. She claimed they had an office inside Slot at Isigate and that they planned to open a branch in Umuahia soon,” the trader alleged.

Another victim said she handed over N100,000 in cash after being assured she would receive N130,000 within days, only to later discover that the operators had allegedly disappeared from the city.

A meat seller also alleged that he invested N3 million, while another victim reportedly lost N200,000.

Traders at Oriugba market said many victims invested amounts ranging from N50,000 to N4 million, while victims at Ahia Ụkwụ Olokro reportedly invested between N10,000 and N500,000.

While gathering information at Oriugba Market, Spinfm Correspondence received a call that the same group was operating at Ahia Ụkwụ Olokoro Market. Upon arriving at the location, the suspects were allegedly found engaging traders with the same investment promises earlier described by victims.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to market leaders, who contacted officers from the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Robbery Unit Ọlokoro of the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation.

Speaking at the police station, some market leaders said,

“We heard that these people were moving around markets collecting money from traders with promises of adding profits to it. Some traders invested because they believed the scheme was genuine after seeing others receive payments initially without knowing they used that format to get to them. From what we have seen, there is a strong suspicion that this operation is fraudulent.”

The market leaders appealed to the administration of Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner of Police in the state to intensify investigations and ensure justice for victims.

As of the time of filing this report, the police authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the progress of the investigation, while the management of the solar company allegedly linked to the scheme was said to have declined invitations to appear at the police station for questioning.