So, CBEX has crashed. Another so-called investment platform is gone, and with it, the hopes and savings of many Nigerians. Angry youths have stormed their offices, looking for answers, but the question remains; is that even where the real people behind it operate from? Or just another fake front?
I’m not surprised. In fact, I remember warning a friend not to invest in CBEX. I told her, “Most of these things don’t last. They always crash when people least expect.” She looked me in the face and said, “CBEX has been around for two years. It’s solid. Even if it crashes, it will still take time.” Well, here we are today.
And just like many of these schemes, it crashed during the Easter break. I had told her before that most Ponzi platforms collapse during festive periods when people need money urgently. That’s when everything begins to fall apart. I even went further to say that this kind of investment is not safe and doesn't provide financial freedom. Her response was that a lot of people have bought cars, built houses, and even established business from the returns of their investment.
Now everyone is angry, and rightly so. But who should we really blame?
Some people say it’s the CBEX management. They promised high returns and said the platform would never crash. They gave people hope, they gave people fake confidence, and they smiled all the way to the bank. Others say it’s the fault of the investors who ignored the warning signs, chased quick money, and forgot the lessons from MMM, MBA Forex, and others like it.
The truth is, both sides carry the blame. The people behind CBEX knew what they were doing as they offered high returns they couldn’t sustain. At the same time, people who put their money in knew deep down that the promise of getting back double or more in a short time was too sweet to be real.
To be frank and candid — no real business can promise you 100 per cent returns without serious risk. It’s not investment. It’s gambling, pure and simple. You’re just betting and hoping it doesn’t crash before you take your turn.
Reports say CBEX took over a trillion naira from people, that’s more than 800 million dollars. Think about that. That kind of money could change lives, build companies, or improve communities. But now, it’s gone. Just like that.
People must learn. When something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Greed, ignorance, and desperation have made many fall into the same trap again and again. We keep believing these platforms are different, and each time, we pay the price.
If you want to grow your money, it’s better to take a slow and steady path. Invest in what you understand. Start something small. Learn a skill. Put your money where the risks are known and regulated. Avoid hype. Avoid fast-money talk.
There’s no shortcut to wealth that doesn’t come with pain. If it’s too easy, look twice. Because the truth is, only you can protect your money. Not the platform. Not the sweet-talking agent. Not the crowd.
It is better to learn, ask questions, and think before venturing into unprofitable business and also stop chasing shadows.