WhatsApp Fraudsters Clone Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Launch Fake ‘Investment Club’ To Trap Victims

Fresh concerns have emerged over a new wave of digital fraud as scammers impersonating the Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, allegedly set up a fake WhatsApp investment platform to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

The fraudsters, it was gathered, created a WhatsApp group titled “Value Focus Club 60” using a Nigerian phone number and the image of the prominent banker to lend credibility to their scheme, in what insiders described as “a calculated attempt to exploit public trust.”

A whistleblower who raised the alarm warned that “the individuals behind this have gone as far as using his photograph and identity to make the group appear legitimate,” adding that “unsuspecting members of the public are being lured with promises of investment opportunities that do not exist.”

Reacting to the development, a source familiar with the matter stressed that “the Chairman is not on WhatsApp running any investment group, and at no time has he authorised anyone to act on his behalf in that regard.”

The source further clarified that “Access Holdings Plc does not offer investment advice or operate any form of investment scheme via WhatsApp or similar messaging platforms.”

Describing the claims circulated by the group as entirely false, the source cautioned the public to disregard any communication suggesting otherwise.

“Any message linking the Chairman or the company to such a platform is 100 per cent fake and should be treated as a scam,” the source said.

Concerned observers say the incident underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminals who now deploy identity theft and social engineering tactics to defraud victims.

“This is not just impersonation; it is a deliberate strategy to manipulate trust and credibility,” another insider noted.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid engaging with the group or similar platforms, refrain from sharing personal or banking information, and promptly block and report suspicious numbers.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” the whistleblower cautioned.

Meanwhile, efforts are said to be underway to shut down the fraudulent platform, with stakeholders emphasising that public awareness remains critical in preventing further victimisation.

“People must stay vigilant and share this information widely. Anyone can be a target,” the source added.