Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud to the tune of more than $320, 000 (about N434.88m).

“Adams, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States of America is under investigation for alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence,” the agency stated.

The EFCC said in a statement shared on its official X handle that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a syndicate based in the United States that specializes in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles for them.

The EFCC stated that the investigations further revealed that while living in the United States, Adams allegedly advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria with the promise to purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them.

“Findings showed that two victims allegedly paid a total sum of $320,000 (over N434.88million) for the vehicle. “The statement said one of the victims, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, allegedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary and another victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000 for the same vehicle.”

It said further investigation showed Adams had a prior criminal record in the United States, allegedly in relation to the illegal acquisition of vehicles.

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC eventually arrested the suspect on his return to Nigeria.

The suspect would be arraigned in court at the end of the ongoing investigation, the statement said.