The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with an alleged internet fraud involving a fake online car purchase valued at over ₦3 million.
The arrest was confirmed by the State Commandant, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, during a press briefing in Benin City, where he detailed how the suspect was linked to a fraudulent transaction reported earlier in the year.
According to the command, the incident began on February 3 when a resident of Aduwawa, Benin, identified as Olanrewaju Nurudeen, attempted to buy a 2010 Toyota Corolla through a US-based online car auction platform.
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The platform was later allegedly compromised by fraudsters.
The victim reportedly transferred ₦3,005,000 into an account linked to a commercial bank account with Access Bank under the name of one Oluwafunmilayo Olubode.
Following a petition, investigators from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps obtained a court order to trace the funds and identify those involved in the scheme.
The probe eventually led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Momoh Rabiu, from Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Investigators say the suspect admitted that the bank account used for the transaction belonged to him, but claimed it was controlled by a friend known as “Destiny Money,” who is now on the run.
He further confessed to receiving ₦277,000 as his share of the proceeds from the alleged fraud.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice as investigations continue.
The NSCDC confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The case was reported and covered by Punch Newspapers.
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