Victims said they paid between ₦58,000 and ₦86,000 for subsidised food items, but the company’s outlet was shut down days later
More than 100 residents of the Maitumbi area in Minna, Niger State, have fallen victim to a suspected Ponzi scheme disguised as a food subsidy initiative by a company identified as MealShare Network.
Victims said they paid between ₦58,000 and ₦86,000 for subsidised food items, but the company’s outlet was shut down days later, and both operators and staff vanished.
“I invested because some youths in the community were staff of the company, and that gave me courage. Now, we can’t even find the youths or the owners,” a resident said.
Another victim added: “I took the risk because I saw some women benefiting. But now, I regret it. It’s hunger, hardship and poverty that made me do it.”
Police spokesperson DSP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident, saying: “Some persons entrusted money to unknown individuals promoting discounted foodstuffs. Items weren’t delivered, and the group has fled.”
Authorities have launched an investigation to track down the suspects.
MealShare now joins the ranks of Nigeria’s recurring fraudulent schemes like CBEX and MMM Nigeria.