QNET condemns misuse of its name in alleged fraudulent scheme in Minna

From Cyriacus Nnaji:

QNET, a wellness and direct selling company, has condemned the misuse of its name in alleged fraudulent scheme in Minna, Niger State.

According to a release by QNET, the company referred to a publication by Premium Times concerning the arrest of four individuals in Minna, Niger State, in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme in which the QNET name was reportedly used to promote an online investment opportunity”.

In the report, the suspects allegedly demanded payment of ₦200,000 from an individual who had travelled to Minna in response to what he understood to be a job opportunity.

In the release by QNET, the matter remains under police investigation, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.

QNET went further to state that it has also taken note of a separate report published by Daily Post on August 22, 2026, concerning the arrest of 55 irregular migrants in Osun State. “The report attributes to the Osun State Comptroller of Immigration a claim that some of the individuals said they had come to the state to engage in an online business identified as QNET.

QNET clarified that such claims do not establish any connection between the individuals and QNET’s authorised operations. “QNET does not facilitate irregular migration, recruitment for overseas employment, visa arrangements or the movement of individuals across borders for employment or guaranteed financial opportunities.”

The release stated that the company remains committed to cooperating with the Nigerian authorities to establish the facts and address any unauthorised use or misrepresentation of its name. “QNET strongly condemns any attempt to misuse its name, brand or reputation to facilitate fraud, deception, illegal recruitment, or the exploitation of members of the public.

It said that QNET is not an investment scheme and does not offer investment opportunities, guaranteed financial returns, paid employment, overseas jobs or visa arrangements. “QNET operates a product-based direct-selling business model through Independent Representatives, who are required to comply with the company’s policies, Code of Ethics and applicable laws,” the company said.

Commenting on the report, Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for QNET Central and West Africa, said: “We are deeply concerned whenever individuals misuse the QNET name to deceive members of the public. There is absolutely no place within QNET for fraudulent recruitment, demands for payment in exchange for jobs, or the misrepresentation of our business as an investment opportunity. We remain committed to cooperating with the Nigerian authorities to support efforts to identify and hold accountable anyone found to be unlawfully using our name.”

Addressing the Misuse of QNET’s name, QNET noted that law-enforcement authorities have increasingly used the term “Model Q” to describe a pattern of criminal activity in which individuals or groups misuse or impersonate the names of legitimate direct-selling companies and other established brands to lure victims with false promises of employment, travel, migration opportunities or guaranteed income. Is stated that the term “Model Q” does not refer to QNET’s legitimate business operations. Rather, it describes criminal conduct involving the unauthorised use or impersonation of established company and brand names.