Police arrest Abuja car dealer for fraud, recover $7,000

...Recover deposit after confession, manhunt for accomplice underway

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, has arrested a suspect linked to the fraudulent sale of a defective luxury vehicle in Abuja, recovering a sum of $7,000 from him in the process.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent of Police Halima Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer for the zone, confirmed the arrest.

According to the police, the case was brought to their attention on 19 June through a formal petition submitted to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7.

The suspect, operating from Ilado Car Stand in the Lokogoma area of Abuja, allegedly lured a female buyer through a Facebook advertisement for a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, which had been listed for ₦32 million (approximately $20,000).

The complainant reportedly visited the car stand for inspection and was assured by the seller that the vehicle only had a power steering issue, which would be rectified within a week.

Relying on this assurance, she paid a $7,000 deposit with the understanding that the amount would be refunded should she decide not to complete the transaction.

However, a subsequent inspection by a certified Mercedes-Benz technician revealed extensive electrical and mechanical faults. The buyer then requested a refund, which the suspect allegedly declined, insisting that the money would only be returned if the car was sold to another buyer. He also failed to provide any timeframe for repayment.

Faced with no resolution, the victim filed a petition with the police.

Following investigations led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile, the suspect was invited for questioning. During interrogation, he admitted to the allegations, and police recovered the $7,000 deposit.

The police added that efforts are underway to apprehend a second suspect believed to be on the run.