Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000, approximately ₦434.88 million.
Adams, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States of America, is being investigated for alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to preliminary investigations by the EFCC, the suspect allegedly belongs to a syndicate based in the United States that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of helping them purchase and import vehicles from the U.S.
The commission said investigations revealed that while Adams was residing in the United States, he allegedly advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria, promising to purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them.
Findings by the EFCC showed that two victims allegedly paid a total of $320,000, over ₦434.88 million, for the vehicle.
One of the victims, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, reportedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary, while another victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000 for the same vehicle.
The commission said further investigations also uncovered a prior criminal record involving Adams in the United States, allegedly connected to the illegal acquisition of vehicles.
Adams was eventually arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC upon his return to Nigeria.
The anti-graft agency said the suspect would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of ongoing investigations.
