Patricia is a Nigerian-based cryptocurrency startup that provides alternative financial services, including buying and selling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Patricia was among the early cryptocurrency service providers in Nigeria. Their popularity soared further after they sponsored the renowned reality show known as Big Brother Naija (BBN).

The company was at the top of its game until things began to change.

On April 30th, reports surfaced alleging that Patricia had finally shut down after months of inactivity, office closures, and non-communication with customers.

Fejiro Hanu, Patricia's CEO, refuted these claims, stating, "Patricia has not shut down. Ignore the noise.

This statement followed heavy public criticism directed at him for disclosing the name of a certain reporter from TechCabal who had approached him seeking a statement to corroborate the piece they were working on about Patricia. Infuriated by this, Hanu blocked the reporter from contacting him further on the Whatsapp social platform.

"You had the chance to a right of reply, you blew it. It is the right of the journalist to publish the report whether you reply or not." a commentator said.

Last year, Patricia acknowledged a cyber hack on their system. In a memo addressed to their customers, the company disclosed that they suffered a breach and the hackers made away with customers' funds. Promising to apprehend the perpetrators promptly, they suspended further withdrawals, stating that the company is undergoing internal restructuring.

It can be presumed that Patricia is still undergoing restructuring, as one year after the announcement, their offices remain closed, their care center is unreachable, and customers have been unable to withdraw their funds yet. However, TechCabal reported that the company claim to have devised a payment plan spanning 2 to 5 years to reimburse customers for their lost funds.

On May 1st, 2024, Patricia's CEO, Hanu, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the cyber attackers responsible for the hack have been apprehended by the Nigerian law enforcement agency. The alleged culprits, led by a former gubernatorial contestant, are now in police custody awaiting prosecution. Details of how the hackers gained access to customer funds were undisclosed.

Hanu expressed his displeasure towards the media, accusing them of prioritizing clicks and views over truth. He emphasized that he would not be intimidated by the media.

Hanu reiterated his commitment to his customers, assuring his dedication to resolving the issue swiftly.