By Odeh Favour Adiya
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took to their official X handle to announce the arrest of a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud amounting to more than $320,000, which is approximately ₦434.88 million.
Adams, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States of America, is currently being investigated by operatives of the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate. The charges against him include an alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect is believed to belong to a United States-based syndicate that specializes in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles for them from America.
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 by the anti-graft agency revealed that two separate victims fell for the scheme, paying a collective total sum of $320,000 for the exact same vehicle. One of the victims, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, reportedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary, while the second victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000.
Further investigations uncovered that Adams already has a prior criminal record in the United States, which is allegedly related to the illegal acquisition of vehicles. Following his recent return to Nigeria, operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate tracked him down and executed the arrest.
The EFCC has confirmed that the suspect will be formally arraigned in court as soon as the ongoing investigations are fully concluded.
