EFCC Arrests Nigerian-American in $320,000 Vehicle Import Fraud Scheme

EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate operatives have detained Nigerian‑American Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams on suspicion of a cross‑border vehicle import scam that allegedly involved over $320,000 (about N434.88 million).

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

In a statement posted on its official X account, the EFCC disclosed that early probes indicated Adams is linked to a U.S.‑based syndicate that pretends to buy and import vehicles for Nigerians while actually defrauding them.

The investigation also uncovered that, while living in the United States, Adams allegedly promoted and shared images of a 2024 Mercedes‑Benz G63 AMG to potential Nigerian buyers, assuring them he would purchase and ship the vehicle.

The statement added: “Findings revealed that two victims allegedly paid a total of $320,000 (over N434.88 million) for the vehicle. One victim, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, reportedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary, while another, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000 for the same vehicle.”

The statement also said that further probes uncovered a prior U.S. criminal record for Adams, allegedly connected to the unlawful acquisition of vehicles.

Adams was arrested by EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate operatives when he returned to Nigeria.

The statement said the suspect will be arraigned in court once the investigations are complete.