Claim:
A viral video circulating on WhatsApp and sponsored links on social media claim that former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a new investment platform called PrimeAura Investment Program, which has allegedly made over 10,000 Nigerians wealthy and guarantees ₦4,600,000 per week from a minimal investment. Some versions of the promotion use the PUNCH Newspaper logo and present what appears to be a PUNCH journalist endorsing the scheme.
Verdict: ❌ False.
There is no evidence that Atiku Abubakar has launched or endorsed any such platform. The video and ads show clear signs of manipulation and fraud, and PUNCH Newspaper has officially disclaimed the content as fake.
What the Promoters Are Claiming
The ads and linked page assert that:
- Atiku Abubakar has created a new investment project called PrimeAura Investment Program.
- The platform delivers guaranteed weekly profits of ₦4.6 million.
- Thousands of Nigerians are already benefiting.
- The scheme is being promoted through what appears to be a PUNCH Newspaper video segment.
These claims are designed to create urgency and credibility, especially by linking the project to a well-known political figure and a respected media house.
What We Found
1. No Evidence of Atiku Abubakar’s Involvement
There is no record on:
- Atiku Abubakar’s official website
- His verified social media accounts
- Reputable Nigerian or international news outlets
of any project called PrimeAura Investment Program. Major business or investment initiatives linked to Atiku are normally widely reported. This one is not.
Using a prominent political figure’s name without proof is a common scam tactic.
2. Punch Newspaper Has Publicly Disowned the Video
PUNCH Nigeria Limited has issued a clear public disclaimer, stating that:
- The video is doctored.
- The PUNCH logo is used without authorization.
- The staff member shown in the video did not participate in the promotion.
- The company has reported the incident to security agencies.
PUNCH has officially advised the public to disregard the post and be properly guided.
This alone confirms that the promotion is fraudulent.
3. Video Analysis: Signs of Manipulation and Deception
A review of the attached WhatsApp video shows multiple red flags:
- The audio and visuals appear edited and spliced, not from a continuous newsroom broadcast.
- The presenter’s delivery does not match typical PUNCH editorial style or studio production quality.
- There is no on-screen URL, programme name, date, or segment title as would be standard in real PUNCH content.
- The video jumps quickly to promises of wealth and investment instructions, which is not how legitimate news reports operate.
This strongly indicates the video was doctored or deepfaked to mislead viewers.
4. Guaranteed ₦4.6 Million Weekly Returns Are Financially Impossible
The promise of a guaranteed income of ₦4,600,000 per week is a major red flag:
- No legitimate investment—crypto, forex, oil, AI trading, or otherwise—can guarantee fixed high returns.
- All real investments carry risk and are required by law to disclose that risk.
- Claims of turning small sums into millions in days or weeks are characteristic of Ponzi and advance-fee scams.
In finance, guaranteed profit = guaranteed scam.
5. High-Pressure and Emotional Manipulation Tactics
The PrimeAura promotion uses:
- Claims of “over 10,000 Nigerians already happy”
- Urgent calls to “register now”
- Emotional language about escaping poverty and changing your life
These are classic psychological pressure techniques designed to stop people from verifying facts before sending money.
Conclusion
There is no legitimate PrimeAura Investment Program linked to Atiku Abubakar.
The video is doctored, the PUNCH branding is unauthorized, and the profit claims are financially unrealistic.
This is a fraudulent investment scheme using the names and images of respected individuals and media organizations to deceive the public.
Nigerians are strongly advised to:
- Ignore and report these ads
- Verify investments with SEC Nigeria
- Rely only on official company and government channels
