Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000 (approximately N434.88 million).
The EFCC on Friday said Mr 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 pretense.
Preliminary investigations, according to the commission, revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a syndicate based in the United States that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from the United States for them.
Investigations further revealed that, while residing in the United States, Mr Adams 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.
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Findings revealed that two victims allegedly paid a total sum of $320,000 (over N434.88 million) for the vehicle.
The EFCC said 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.
Further investigation, according to the commission, also uncovered a prior criminal record involving Mr Adams in the United States, allegedly related to the illegal acquisition of vehicles.
“In the long run, the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC upon his return to Nigeria.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the ongoing investigations,” the EFCC said.
