EFCC Arrests Nigerian-American over Alleged $320,000 Mercedes-Benz Import Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000, equivalent to about N434.88 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000, equivalent to about N434.88 million.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement published on its X account on Friday, June 19.

According to the commission, Adams, who holds both Nigerian and United States citizenship, is being investigated over allegations bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and breach of trust.

What they are saying

The EFCC said preliminary findings suggest that the suspect is linked to a United States-based network allegedly involved in deceiving Nigerians with promises to source and ship vehicles from America.

The commission further disclosed that two individuals allegedly paid a combined sum of $320,000 for the purchase of a luxury vehicle that was never delivered as promised.

• “Findings revealed that two victims allegedly paid a total sum of $320,000 (over ₦434.88 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.”

More insights

Investigators said Adams allegedly marketed a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to potential buyers in Nigeria while residing in the United States, using photographs of the luxury vehicle and assuring prospective customers that he could procure and ship it to the country.

The anti-graft agency also said its investigation uncovered information suggesting that the suspect had previously come under the radar of law enforcement authorities in the United States over alleged vehicle-related offences.

• “Further investigation also uncovered a prior criminal record involving Adams in the United States, allegedly related to the illegal acquisition of vehicles,” the statement reads in parts.

According to the EFCC, Adams was eventually apprehended by operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate after returning to Nigeria.

The commission added that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations into the matter are concluded.

What you should know

The arrest is the latest in a series of high-profile fraud investigations and enforcement actions undertaken by the EFCC in recent months.

• In May, the commission arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over his alleged involvement in a N33.8 billion fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
• Earlier in April, EFCC operatives arrested a Cameroonian national, Bekono Marc Eric, in connection with an alleged N1.5 billion bank fraud in Lagos.

Similarly, in March, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the commission arrested a company representative, M. Kolawole, over an alleged fraud amounting to N993.2 million.