SEC shuts Dantata Success & Profitable Company Ponzi scheme in Kano

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sealed off the premises of Dantata Success and Profitable Company, Kano for engaging in illegal capital market activities. According to a statement from the Commission, the company was shut down for carrying out investment operations that falls within fund management without registration with the apex regulator. According to SEC, “They do not have registration with the SEC and the Commission has powers according to Section 13 of ISA 2007, to shut down any company carrying out capital market activities without due registration. Nigerian laws provide that business activities in the country have to be regulated, in this case SEC is supposed to regulate them”. The strategy of the company is to solicit for funds from unsuspecting members of the public by enticing them with returns of monthly interest on investment ranging from 25 percent to 50 percent depending on the nature and investment type. They also indicated a registration period of 5th February to 15th February in one of their numerous notices directing all prospective customers to make deposits into their bank accounts. The company sells its forms to prospective investors according to their investment plans ranging from N1,000 to N3,000. The minimum amount investable is N50,000 while the maximum is N5,000,000 The investment period of the scheme is pegged at a minimum of 30 working days to a maximum period of 12 months with offer of interest rates on short and medium term basis. It claims to be involved in trading, general merchandise supply, oil and gas, transportation, import, export and general contract. The commission had established that the company’s activities also constituted an infraction of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA), 2007. The SEC Management said the closure was to end unlawful activities of the company against unsuspecting investors and therefore urged investors to ensure they only deal with fund managers that are registered with the Commission. “The account of the company have been frozen, the promoters have been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force and are undergoing interrogation. The Commission wishes to notify the investing public that the company is not licensed to carry out investments business of any type and as such its operations are illegal. The SEC therefore advises the public to exercise due diligence and caution in the course of making investment decisions adding that valid licence of lawful operators could be obtained on the commission’s website by members of the public to confirm the licences of firms with which they intend to carry out investment activities.