Nigerians have dragged Forbes and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar over, serial entrepreneur Obinwanne Okeke who was arrested by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over conspiracy to commit fraud of over $12 million.
Forbes had in 2016 listed the 31-year-old as one of “30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 to Watch”.
In July, 2014, Atiku Abubakar listed Invictus Obi as one of the largest private employer in the country.
The founder of Invictus Group was also named among 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2018.
The FBI has not pressed charges against Okeke, however, news of his arrest filtered in late Friday.
Nigerians on Twitter have taken swipes at Forbes and others, saying the financial magazine should have investigated the source of Okeke’s wealth before listing him as a model for young persons.
Quite painful they are all backtracking and leaving him now. Also quite unfortunate people were all over Obinwanne Okeke with: “Awww awwwww God when, God when”…….“Oh! and he’s not even 30 and Forbes already know him”?
Never envy rich and successful folks; Be motivated only.
— Mezstro (@ItzChimezie) August 17, 2019
So I’m excited about this FBI case. I just found out that one of your favorites MCM here on twitter is linked to this case. I trust FBI to unravel it.
Even your favorite WCW blogger is also a close friend to Obi. She just deleted the photo her photos with him on Instagram.
— šßé (@chikenyelum) August 17, 2019
Forbes trying to explain why they featured:
1) Pablo Escobar
2) El Chapo
3) Obinwanne Okeke AKA Invictus Obi
To the FBI.Forbes: pic.twitter.com/QKVN57BcA9
— Black AbrahamLincolN (@Darksaint_911) August 17, 2019
Lessons from Invictus Obi fraud:
1. Forbes should invest more on due diligence mechanisms rather than make a rush to fill their list.
2. If you ar a yahoo yahoo masked with tie &suit, just stop.
3. No more trust for even true entrepreneurs. Obinwanne Okeke has bad imaged all
— Chimee Adioha (@chimeeadioha) August 17, 2019
Don’t envy People with money, some legit, some stole, had sex for it, killed for it.
How can you not investigate @forbesafrica?
Obinwanne Okeke aka ‘Invictus Obi’, the Nigerian Businessman, that was arrested by the FBI for a $11 million fraud, was a Forbes Under30. pic.twitter.com/o3xSSQX9Nw
— Rose M (@sunday_dear) August 17, 2019
So Invictus Obi is a high budget Naira Marley.
After all the awards he collected ?
Even Forbes recognized him.Motivational Speaker during daytime,
Yahoo boy at night.“Aspire To acquire your desire…” Yen Yen Yen
If you don’t Geddifok & lemme enjoy my Búrédì Àt’èwà. pic.twitter.com/N9oBEHe185
— Dean Of Talking Affairs (@AdeSmoothTalkeR) August 17, 2019
Forbes celebrated a fraudster, that didnt stop the FBI from doing a detailed investigation and catching the criminal, but EFCC and Nigeria Police will want to explain how our traditional rulers giving chieftaincy titles to criminals hamper their work of prosecuting criminals. pic.twitter.com/rCXqw7hH2z
— Marvix (@marvixnaija) August 17, 2019
Forbes: How did you make your money?
Invictus Obi: Na God
Forbes: What motivated you?
Invictus Obi: Na God oh!
Forbes: Any advice for young ones that wanna be like you?
Invictus Obi: Be determined and most importantly work with GOD.
God: pic.twitter.com/cxEehDEFE5
— Tife? (@Tife_fabunmi) August 17, 2019