Calabar, Nigeria –The public apology issued by popular Cross River-born entertainer Aya Kanu Aya, also known as MC Mbakara, over his involvement in the controversial 2018 Micheno investment scheme has sparked intense public debate across social media platforms, with reactions ranging from skepticism to outright condemnation NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The open apology, released on Sunday, was seen by many as a reaction to recent online criticism by fellow entertainer and comedian Oku Charles Asu, who has repeatedly accused MC Mbakara of masterminding the now-defunct Ponzi scheme that caused widespread financial loss to hundreds of Cross Riverians.
In his statement, MC Mbakara claimed he was merely a ceremonial “vice president” of the scheme, and that he lacked the financial control to have prevented its collapse. He described himself at the time as a “young hustler” who simply shared an opportunity that initially benefited many before crashing due to over-subscription. He admitted the scheme affected friends, family, and numerous victims across the state, but insisted that he was exonerated by the law and never directly collected money from anyone.
However, the tone and framing of his apology have drawn sharp criticism from members of the public.
“Defensive apology with pride is not apology,” wrote social commentator Unique Wisdom. “One of the things about proud people is that they can’t sincerely and humbly apologise. Humble yourself and make real restitution, sir.”
Another user, Sunita Akpet, described the apology as “full of gaslight and condescending words,” adding that the entertainer spent more time attacking critics than showing genuine remorse.
Vitalis Ogabi recalled personal loss: “I lost my mum’s money in that investment… we fall to rise and not to sleep. Well done, Chief.”
Ashibi Thomas urged the entertainer to go beyond words: “Try and make restitution too… a lot of people’s lives never remained the same.”
While a few voices such as Phidelis Ubana called for closure and forgiveness, saying “there must always be room for forgiveness,” the overwhelming sentiment reflected in online reactions was that the apology came too late, lacked sincerity, and failed to address the emotional and financial trauma experienced by victims.
Public anger was further fueled by comparisons made between MC Mbakara and Nigerian celebrities like Davido, AY, and Sabinus — with critics arguing that such parallels trivialize the specific gravity of the Micheno collapse.
“You can’t be apologizing and still gaslighting people,” one commenter wrote. “This goes to show the kind of person he truly is.”
For many, the apology re-opened old wounds. Stories have resurfaced of students losing tuition fees, families going bankrupt, and some victims allegedly dying or losing their marriages due to the crash of the Micheno scheme.
With public attention now turned back to the fallout of the 2018 investment collapse, it remains to be seen whether MC Mbakara’s statement — however belated — will lead to healing, or simply deepen existing divisions in a state still grappling with the consequences of the infamous Ponzi debacle.
