NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding a fraudulent scheme that impersonates senior agency officials to deceive the public with fake offers of forfeited vehicles. Scammers are circulating forged private letters and messages, specifically using the name of NDLEA Secretary Shadrach Haruna, to claim that seized vehicles are available for purchase through private arrangements.

The agency has described these offers as entirely fraudulent, designed solely to defraud victims. The NDLEA emphasized that no official has the authority to privately allocate or sell forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets under any circumstances. Assets forfeited as proceeds of drug-related offenses are disposed of exclusively through publicly advertised auctions conducted by government-appointed and registered auctioneers, in compliance with legal provisions and public procurement regulations.

When such auctions are approved, they are widely publicized through national newspapers and the NDLEA's official communication channels to ensure transparency and equal access for interested members of the public. The NDLEA urges Nigerians to disregard any private communications, including letters, text messages, emails, or social media posts, that claim to offer forfeited vehicles for sale on behalf of Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official. The agency advises anyone approached with such offers to report the matter immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through its official communication channels. The statement, signed by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, reiterated the agency's commitment to transparency and accountability in asset disposal and encouraged the public to remain vigilant.