Police Arrest Suspect Over $7,000 Fraud in Abuja, Recover Stolen Funds

The Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command has apprehended a suspect in Abuja for allegedly defrauding a buyer during the sale of a defective luxury vehicle, recovering $7,000 from him.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Halima Mohammed.

Mohammed revealed that the case was first reported on June 19 through a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of the zone.

According to her, the complainant had seen a Facebook advertisement on June 10 for a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon listed at N32 million (approximately $20,000) and proceeded to inspect the car at Ilado Car Stand in Lokogoma, Abuja.

“During the inspection, the suspect assured the buyer that the only issue with the vehicle was a minor fault in the power steering system, which would be resolved within a week. Based on this, the complainant paid a deposit of $7,000 under an agreement that the money would be refunded if she chose not to continue with the purchase,” Mohammed said.

However, after further checks by a certified Mercedes-Benz mechanic uncovered multiple serious electrical and mechanical problems, the complainant requested a refund. The suspect then refused to return the money or commit to a definite repayment timeline, raising suspicion of fraud.

Upon receiving the complaint, a team led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile swung into action. The suspect was invited for questioning, where he reportedly confessed to the crime. Police recovered the $7,000 during the investigation.

Mohammed added that efforts were underway to apprehend the suspect’s accomplice, who is currently on the run.