EFCC arrests man for vehicle import scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Ilorin have arrested Adegoke Adams, a Nigerian-American, for alleged vehicle import fraud.

The EFCC posted a statement on their official X account on Friday. Adams, who has both Nigerian and American citizenship, is under investigation for criminal breach of trust. He is accused of obtaining over $320,000, which is about N435.3 million, through false pretenses.

The statement said, "Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a syndicate based in the United States that specializes in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from the US for them."

Investigations also showed that while living in the United States, Adams advertised a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. He sent photos to potential buyers in Nigeria, promising to buy and ship the luxury vehicle.

It was found that two victims paid a total of $320,000 for the car. One victim, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, paid $145,000 through a middleman. Another victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, paid $175,000 for the same vehicle.

The EFCC also found that Adams has a previous criminal record in the US related to illegally acquiring vehicles.

"In the long run, 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 conclusion of the ongoing investigations," the statement added.