EFCC Arrests Dual Citizen Over Alleged N434m Cross-Border Vehicle Import Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended a dual Nigerian-American citizen, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for his alleged involvement in a cross-border vehicle import scam totaling over $320,000 (approximately ₦434.88 million).

According to an official statement released by the anti-graft agency’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate, Adams is currently under investigation for criminal breach of trust and obtaining money under false pretenses.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is allegedly part of a United States-based syndicate that targets unsuspecting buyers in Nigeria by promising to purchase and ship luxury vehicles on their behalf.

While residing in the US, Adams allegedly circulated advertisements and photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers. Driven by these representations, two separate victims reportedly paid a combined total of $320,000 for the luxury vehicle. Case files reveal that one buyer transferred $145,000 through an intermediary, while the second victim paid $175,000.

The EFCC further disclosed that Adams has a prior criminal record in the United States linked to the illegal acquisition of automobiles. Following his recent return to Nigeria, operatives from the Ilorin directorate took him into custody. The commission stated that the suspect will be formally arraigned in court as soon as the ongoing investigations are fully concluded.