Crime

Lagos Police Arrest Suspected Internet Fraudster Over Alleged Car Theft

ByHafsoh Isiaq

PublishedJune 6, 2024

Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a suspected internet fraudster for allegedly obtaining a vehicle under false pretence.

The suspect, Joshua Olawuyi was said to have stolen N30 million.

Umma Ayuba, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

She said that the command, under the leadership of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, arrested the suspect after receiving a petition from the petitioner.

READ: Man Bags 14 Years Jail For Attempted Sexual Assault On Minor

“Based on a petition received from Adesuwa Ogizie, female, a US-based licensed car dealer, that sometime in 2016, Olawuyi contacted her to purchase a Mercedes Benz GLE 350 valued at N30 million.

“Olawuyi deceived her, stating that he had instructed his brother Jude Hanslem to make payment on his behalf.

“After the vehicle was delivered to the suspect in Nigeria; the petitioner discovered that the money paid into her account was the proceeds of fraud, ” she said.

Ayuba said that a team of detectives attached to Zonal Anti-Kidnapping Unit Zone 2 command, led by SP Abass Gadzama (O/C ZAKU), swung into action and apprehended the suspect.

“The suspect was arrested and he volunteered his statement where he confessed to the crime.

“He claimed he was into internet fraud at the time he committed the offence and that the Mercedes Benz GLE 350 had been sold and the proceeds converted, “he said.

Ayuba said investigation is ongoing and further findings would be communicated, and suspect will be prosecuted accordingly upon completion of investigation.