Police nab suspect in Dangote cement scam

By Fatai Kasali

In a significant crackdown on fraudulent activities, the Lagos State Police have apprehended a 28-year-old man, Benjamin Ezekwe, for his alleged involvement in a scam that falsely promised a Dangote Cement price reduction, swindling numerous Nigerian citizens.

The arrest, which took place on October 19 in the Rumuolumeni locality of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, was the culmination of persistent investigative efforts by the ‘Area A’ command of the Lagos State Police, as revealed by the state police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, during a press briefing in Ikeja on Sunday.

SP Hundeyin detailed that the suspect, Mr. Ezekwe, was found in possession of several incriminating items at the time of his capture.

Among the seized items were three SIM cards, one of which, bearing the number 08039691980, was identified as the primary contact used in the cement scam.

Additionally, a Toyota Avalon car was impounded, which subsequent investigations indicated was acquired through the illicit proceeds of the fraudulent scheme.

The police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the scam and to identify any additional victims.

Mr Hundeyin explained that Mr Ezeukwe created numerous bogus but convincing online advertisements in September, assumed to have been from   Dangote Cement, claiming a massive price slash.

“Numerous unsuspecting customers fell prey and lost millions of naira to the suspect.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect perpetrated several other scams in the past. He has since been arraigned,’’ Mr Hundeyin stated.