Juliana Francis and Taiwo Jimoh
Since the news of the arrest of the 21-year-old Managing Director of Brisk Capital Limited, Mr. Dominic Ngene Joshua, broke, social media has been on fire, with critics lampooning the get rich quick mentality of many Nigerians, especially the youth.
Joshua, who is also the chief Executive Officer of his company, was arrested by operatives of the Special Fraud Unit, Lagos State for allegedly diverting investor’s funds worth over N2 billion. He was said to have been operating from Uyo in the Akwa-Ibom State.
The suspect, before his arrest, had been celebrated by some media houses in their reportages. It was also alleged that Joshua donated half a million naira towards the treatment of victims of #Endsars shootings which occurred at the Lekki TollGate on October 20, 2020
Yesterday, SFU spokesman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Eyitayo Johnson, refused to tell our correspondent if the suspect was in Uyo or Lagos office of the unit.
When asked, he tersely responded: “I can only tell you that he’s in our custody. There are many interests in this case.”
He, however, added that Joshua has refused to show remorse concerning the losses that had befallen his investors. This, it appears, was a disturbing observation.
Johnson said: “The suspect is not remorseful over his actions since he was arrested. Many more victims had been coming to testify against him, revealing how they were lured into investing in the fraud. Three victims personally came to our office to complain. However, those that called to complain on phone were more in number. We’re still expecting more people to come forward and we’re going to charge him to court as soon as the Judiciary workers called of their strike. But presently he’s still in our custody.”
According to the SFU, Joshua was arrested following petitions by several investors and verified intelligence gathered on the activities of the duo which is evident in their Banking Records.
Joshua allegedly used to lure his victims via Social Media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn as well as via Newspaper publications where he claimed to be a Financial Investor of repute, managing funds for individuals and companies.
Johnson said: “Victims were conned to invest in Bitcoin, Forex Trading, Real Estate and Oil and Gas with a promise of prompt and accurate 60 percent Return on Investment (ROI) per month on every sum invested, plus guarantee of the invested principal. The funds, which belongs to over 500 investors was diverted to sponsor extravagant lifestyle, parties, exotic cars, luxury watches, Real Estates in Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. The suspect confessed to the crime but pleaded to be given time to return the monies.”
The new Commissioner of Police in charge of the Unit, Anderson A. Bankole, advised the public to be wary of Investment and Portfolio Managers that suspiciously promised very high returns.
Meanwhile, the social media has been buzzing for days now with conversations relating to Joshua and his investment scheme. Some people have also described the investors as greedy.
Abubakar Evuti@NgugiEvuti, said: “I understand tapping into the get-rich-quick mentality of the public. But what I want to understand is how a 21 year old inspired people to trust a young man with so much money.”
Mr. Kermit @O_ssai, noted: “I still have a strong belief he was into crypto and the crash in the market means he won’t be able to meet payments to investors, I may be wrong.”
Abdulakeem Sulaimon N4L@iamolasquare, has read, “He was said to have ran away with the investors’ money. The crypto crash happened last week and I don’t think they are connected. He is also reported to have been in business for 10 years which means he started when he was 10 years which is not possible.”
Dalhatu Yunusa@dalhatu_yunusa, also has something to say on the matter. His words: “My fear in all of this is that with the amount alluded to have been stolen, he will get a lawyer who will plead he was young and naive, appeal to thy judge to temper justice with mercy and they will scatter the whole matter or delay it forever.”
Dr dayo@dayoadesua, opined: “It’s not about economy. Any ROI more than 20 percent is questionable and most likely, a scam. If it’s not greed, how will sane individual believe a 60 per cent ROI? The victims should be arrested too for being an accomplice.”
First Published 2021
