The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a warning to the public not to engage in investment-related transactions with Risevest (Victoria Island) Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited and Stecs (Alausa) Multipurpose Cooperative Society, also known as Stecs. The SEC emphasized that neither organization is registered or authorized to operate in Nigeria’s capital market.
In a circular released over the weekend in Abuja, the Commission noted, “The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been drawn to the activities of Risevest (Victoria Island) Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, which is involved in capital market activities by inviting the public to invest in its various schemes. Similarly, we have been made aware of Stecs (Alausa) Multipurpose Cooperative Society (popularly known as Stecs), which is also engaging in capital market activities by encouraging the public to invest in its Stecs Commodity Mudarabah Investment Series I.”
The SEC further warned that engaging with unregistered entities exposes investors to significant risks, including potential fraud and the loss of investments. “The SEC remains committed to protecting investors in the Nigerian capital market and is actively working to address the activities of illegal or unregistered entities,” the Commission stated.
The public was also urged to confirm the registration status of any organization offering investment opportunities by directly contacting the SEC through its phone lines, email, or website.
Additionally, The PUNCH reported that the SEC has warned investors and the general public against interacting with Marino FX Ltd., which is falsely claiming to be an SEC-licensed cryptocurrency exchange.
