A loud tune of consequence is being played loudly for the Nigerian youth to hear. In recent weeks, several news stories of security organisations apprehending flamboyant Nigerian youths on the counts of alleged fraud have been on our timelines.

Ray Hushpuppi, a Dubai-based Nigerian socialite was apprehended by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), Adeherself, a social media influencer was nabbed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and late Thursday, celebrity barman, Cubana High Priest was apprehended by the Police, all in relation to fraudulent activities. The general message that is being communicated to Nigerians with all these would be that crime doesn’t pay. 

A new incidence adds credence to this message. It is in relation to the reports on another Nigerian business owner, Obinwanne Okeke of the Invictus Group,  pleaded guilty to a charge of $11million fraud. Arrested in the United States late 2019, just as he was about to travel back to Nigeria, Obinwanne, popularly known as Invictus Obi,  initially pleaded innocent upon arrest, but has now backed down and admitted to his involvement in fraud practices. Reports say that Invictus could attract a 20-year sentence for his crimes.

Nigerians had a lot of lessons to draw out from the current events:

Invictus Obi has pleaded guilty to a $11m (N4.2b) fraud after admitting to US prosecutors he’s into ‘yahoo yahoo.’ He’s going to be sentenced in October and could spend 20+ years in an American prison.

Crime no dey pay last last.

— E (@iamOkon) June 18, 2020

Mompha arrested!
Hushpuppi arrested!
Invictus Obi arrested!
Cubana priest arrested! This is why you should not measure your life using Instagram standards. Remove frauds/crime & compromise from the lives of many these people, you've achieved more in life than them all.

— OONI OF ABUJA? (@Deji_OoniAbj) June 19, 2020

If Invictus Obi is given 20yrs Jail term for fraud of $11m.
Thats to say Hushpuppi own fit be like 60yrs…

Lesson is never get pressurized about life from all these Instagram people. their aim is just to pepper you into making you feel like you are not doing it right
GM

— OmoNna Milly ? (@UnbotheredMilly) June 19, 2020

Now that invictus Obi has pleaded guilty to $11m and he is likely to get 20 years imprisonment . How many years will Huspuppi get if convicted for stealing $ 100m ? 200 years?

Crime and fraud does not pay. You don't only pay for it you also damage opportunities for coming gen pic.twitter.com/5yUXCFjCKK

— Ajulo Anthony (@TonyAjulo) June 19, 2020

Nna mehn if you dey do ur Hustle small small and diligent in it, my brother continue oo.. See how invictus obi ended up
Las Las maga no need pay
You no need steal
You fit do legit sef make am

— EMIR OF PROJECTOR (@Jydeskillz) June 18, 2020

 

Many estimated the number of years, suspected fraudster, Hushpuppi, might accumulate in prison. He was reported to have stolen $35million in his alleged fraudulent internet-based crimes, a total sum amounting to more than that of Invictus. Nigerians posit that Hushpuppi would get longer sentencing in comparison to Invictus who is expected to get a 20-year sentence for his crimes.

Interpol- Invictus Obi pleaded guilty to fraud charges ($11million)and might serve up to 20years in jail

Hushpuppi-kuku kill me pic.twitter.com/gEUPvFjWa6

— CRUISE?KING (@DotunZen) June 18, 2020

Invictus Obi ($11m)= 20years
Hush puppy($35m)=??

Given that 11m= 20years let us try to make hush puppy the subject of the formula pic.twitter.com/H4BYx4XURv

— Destiny Odoh (@deo_ayo) June 19, 2020

 

Invictus Obi had been celebrated in the past on a list by Forbes Africa; naming him among Africa’s wealthiest and brightest 30 under 30.

Many took this time to reflect on Forbes’ credibility; accusing that the organisation of reporting false figures. Some noted that Kylie Jenner had been reported as the youngest self-made billionaire which Forbes later reported as untrue. These events lead many to believe that Forbes has lost integrity.

Invictus Obi was on Forbes list and it has now been proven that his money was acquired through fraud and will be spending up to 20 years in jail.

Kylie Jenner was also on Forbes list and it has also been proven that her wealth was greatly exaggerated.

Thumbs down to Forbes.

— YourFavLawyer (@jagganiyu) June 19, 2020

 

Many brought up complaints that these fraud cases are causing a big issue for legitimate Nigerian businessmen; as they enjoined compatriots to desist from fraud and save the country’s reputation. 

Freelancers are about to face another wave of denied gigs because we have Nigerians like Hushpuppi and Invictus Obi flying the Nigerian flag wrongly. The likes of Fiverr and Upwork are about to up their T&C's . . . We'll also have to charge even less just to get jobs.

— Efam Harris™ (@iefamharris) June 10, 2020