A Nigerian-American man has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged vehicle import scam that netted over $320,000 from unsuspecting Nigerians.
The EFCC said in a statement that the suspect was arrested upon his return to Nigeria by operatives of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate. Preliminary investigations show that the suspect belonged to a syndicate based in the United States that defrauded Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from America.
According to the EFCC, the suspect advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria, claiming that he would purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them. Two victims, Ikechukwu Ifeabunike and Godson Azubuike Amans, paid a combined sum of $320,000 for the vehicle, with each paying $145,000 and $175,000 respectively.
The EFCC said further investigations uncovered a prior criminal record in the United States linked to the suspect, allegedly involving the illegal acquisition of vehicles. The suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC said the suspect, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, is being investigated for alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining money under false pretences.
The arrest of the Nigerian-American man by the EFCC is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes. The EFCC has been working closely with its international partners to track down and prosecute individuals who perpetrate such crimes.
EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said the commission will not relent in its efforts to bring to book individuals who engage in corrupt practices. The EFCC is committed to protecting the integrity of the Nigerian economy and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who perpetrate economic and financial crimes are brought to justice.
The EFCC has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption in Nigeria, and this arrest is a testament to the commission's commitment to its mandate. The EFCC will continue to work with its international partners to track down and prosecute individuals who perpetrate cross-border crimes.
The arrest of the Nigerian-American man by the EFCC is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes. The EFCC has been working closely with its international partners to track down and prosecute individuals who perpetrate such crimes.
The EFCC said the suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The commission has promised to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are brought to justice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American man over an alleged vehicle import scam that netted over $320,000 from unsuspecting Nigerians.
The EFCC said the suspect was arrested upon his return to Nigeria by operatives of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate. Preliminary investigations show that the suspect belonged to a syndicate based in the United States that defrauded Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from America.
According to the EFCC, the suspect advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria, claiming that he would purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them. Two victims, Ikechukwu Ifeabunike and Godson Azubuike Amans, paid a combined sum of $320,000 for the vehicle, with each paying $145,000 and $175,000 respectively.
The EFCC said further investigations uncovered a prior criminal record in the United States linked to the suspect, allegedly involving the illegal acquisition of vehicles. The suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.