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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

EFCC arrests Nigerian-American over N434m vehicle import fraud

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested a Nigerian-American man for alleged vehicle import fraud.
  • The suspect, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, is accused of defrauding Nigerians of over $320,000 (₦434.88 million) by falsely promising to import vehicles.
  • Adams allegedly advertised a luxury car and took payments from two victims, and he has a prior criminal record in the U.S. for similar offenses.

Nigerian authorities have apprehended a Nigerian-American national, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, in connection with a significant cross-border vehicle import fraud scheme. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest, stating that Adams is implicated in defrauding individuals of over $320,000, equivalent to approximately ₦434.88 million.

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 ₦434.88 million).

— EFCC StatementThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced the arrest and the nature of the alleged fraud.

The EFCC's Ilorin Zonal Directorate is leading the investigation into Adams, who holds dual Nigerian and U.S. citizenship. Preliminary findings suggest Adams is part of a syndicate operating from the United States that targets Nigerians by posing as a facilitator for vehicle imports. The commission detailed that Adams allegedly used online advertisements, including photos of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, to lure prospective buyers in Nigeria.

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 from the United States for them.

— EFCC StatementThe commission elaborated on the modus operandi of the alleged fraud syndicate.

Two victims reportedly paid Adams a total of $320,000 for the luxury vehicle. One payment amounted to $145,000, while the second was $175,000, both transferred through intermediaries. The EFCC also revealed that Adams has a previous criminal history in the United States related to illegal vehicle acquisition, adding a layer of concern to the current allegations.

Investigations 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.

— EFCC StatementThe statement detailed how the suspect allegedly lured victims by advertising a specific luxury vehicle.

Adams was arrested upon his arrival in Nigeria and is currently in EFCC custody. The commission stated that he will face arraignment once the investigation is complete. The case highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat financial crimes and fraud targeting citizens.

Findings revealed that two victims allegedly paid a total sum of $320,000 (over ₦434.88 million) for the vehicle.

— EFCC StatementThe commission confirmed the total amount defrauded from the victims.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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