By Muyideen Aliyu
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000 (about ₦434.88 million).
Adams, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States of America, is being investigated for an alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a United States-based syndicate that specializes in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from America.
The investigations further revealed that while residing in the United States, 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.
Findings revealed that two victims allegedly paid a combined sum exceeding $320,000 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 also uncovered a prior criminal record involving Adams in the United States, which is allegedly related to the illegal acquisition of vehicles.
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 the conclusion of ongoing investigations.