EFCC arrests Nigerian-American for alleged $320,000 vehicle import fraud

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).

According to the agency, 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 pretence.

In the statement shared on its official X handle, the EFCC said preliminary investigations 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 for them.  

The investigations, according to the EFCC, 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 total sum of $320,000 (over N434.88 million) 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 statement said.

It added said that further investigation also uncovered a prior criminal record involving Adams in the United States, allegedly related to the illegal acquisition of vehicles.

The suspect was eventually arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC upon his return to Nigeria.

The statement disclosed that the suspect will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of ongoing investigations.