CAC Exposes 3 Fake Firms Using Forged Incorporation Certificates, Issues Full List, RC Numbers, Warns Nigeria Against Transacting With Them
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has sounded the alarm over three companies allegedly operating in Nigeria with forged certificates of incorporation and non-existent registration numbers, cautioning the public against transacting with them.
In a statement released earlier this week via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the CAC revealed that the companies, SPEF Cooperative Society Limited, UPIL Staff Cooperative Society Limited, and PREM Staff Cooperative Society Limited; are each parading two fake RC (Registration Certificate) numbers that do not exist in the Commission’s database.
According to the CAC, none of the registration numbers associated with the listed firms are recognized by the Commission. The companies and the fraudulent RC numbers they allegedly use are:
SPEF Cooperative Society Ltd – RC Numbers: 1265884 and 512862
UPIL Staff Cooperative Society Ltd – RC Numbers: 1265837 and 553220
PREM Staff Cooperative Society Ltd – RC Numbers: 1265844 and 545901
“The general public is hereby informed that the certificates of incorporation being used by the companies listed below were not issued by the Commission,” the CAC stated, emphasizing that all the listed RC numbers are fictitious.
The Commission issued a stern warning to individuals, institutions, and investors, stating that anyone who chooses to conduct business with these entities “does so at their own risk.”
In addition to naming and shaming the companies, the CAC urged Nigerians to verify the registration status of any firm through the official CAC Public Search Portal or via accredited agents and CAC offices nationwide.
This latest move is part of the CAC’s broader effort to clean up Nigeria’s corporate space and crack down on fraudulent practices.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to “safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s corporate registry” and pledged to continue exposing entities seeking to manipulate the system.
The Commission’s strategy includes tighter compliance mechanisms and improved public access to corporate verification tools to boost investor confidence and ensure the credibility of Nigeria’s formal business environment.
OTN News observes that this is not the first time the CAC has taken action against corporate fraud. In earlier crackdowns, the Commission delisted over 2,000 non-compliant companies and worked with agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to track and prosecute those involved in corporate impersonation and document forgery.
Legal experts warn that the use of fake incorporation documents amounts to criminal impersonation and economic sabotage, calling for stiffer penalties for offenders.
OTN News further observes that the revelation underscores the importance of corporate due diligence, especially in a business climate where fraudulent practices can lead to significant financial loss and reputational damage.
Those most at risk include: Investors and stakeholders engaging with unverified entities; Employees working in illegal organizations; Financial institutions offering credit to fraudulent firms; Government agencies relying on inaccurate corporate data.
To avoid falling victim, the CAC advises the public to follow these steps:
1. Visit the [CAC Public Search Portal](https://search.cac.gov.ng)
2. Input the company’s name or RC number
3. Confirm that the firm is listed and marked active
4. Avoid any firm not found in the registry or flagged as inactive
Alternatively, Nigerians can seek assistance from accredited agents, corporate lawyers, or visit any CAC office across the country.
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