Nigerian‑American arrested in alleged $320,000 cross‑border vehicle fraud — EFCC

Abdullateef Fowewe

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested Nigerian‑American Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams in connection with an alleged cross‑border vehicle import scam that defrauded two Nigerians of more than $320,000 (about ₦434.88 million), the commission said on Friday.

A statement obtained from the EFCC said Adams, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, is being investigated for criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.

“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),” the commission said.

Preliminary investigations, the EFCC added, indicate Adams allegedly belonged to a syndicate based in the United States that targets unsuspecting Nigerians by posing as buyers and importers of vehicles.

While in the US, Adams is accused of advertising and circulating photographs of a 2024 Mercedes‑Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria and promising to purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them.

According to investigators, two victims paid a combined $320,000 for the purported vehicle: Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike allegedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary, while Godson Azubuike Amans reportedly paid $175,000 for the same car.

The EFCC statement said further inquiries uncovered a prior criminal record for Adams in the United States allegedly connected to illegal vehicle acquisition.

“The suspect will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the ongoing investigations,” the commission said.

Adams was arrested by EFCC operatives after his return to Nigeria.