Manny Ita –
Access Bank has issued a public warning alerting Nigerians to fraudulent WhatsApp investment groups operating under the name “Value Growth Club,” where scammers are impersonating former chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
In a statement, the bank clarified that the individuals behind the scheme falsely claim to represent Aig-Imoukhuede and are using his name—alongside references to Gotham Capital—to gain credibility and lure unsuspecting victims into fake investment opportunities.
The bank stressed that Aig-Imoukhuede has no affiliation whatsoever with the WhatsApp groups or any related platform, noting that he has neither endorsed nor authorized any initiative bearing that name. It described the claims as entirely false and part of a deliberate impersonation scam.
Customers and the general public were strongly advised to avoid joining such groups, refrain from sending money, and never share personal or financial information with anyone promoting these offers. The bank also urged those who encounter the groups to exit immediately and report them through appropriate channels.
The warning follows earlier concerns raised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which had flagged a similarly named “Value Growth Platform” as a suspected Ponzi scheme. According to the SEC, the platform exhibits typical warning signs of fraud, including promises of guaranteed returns, aggressive referral incentives, and pressure tactics to encourage quick deposits.
Access Bank noted that the incident highlights a growing trend of cyber-enabled financial scams in Nigeria, where fraudsters exploit social media and messaging platforms to impersonate prominent individuals and institutions. It advised the public to always verify investment opportunities through official and trusted channels before committing funds.
