The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered an alleged criminal syndicate involved in conspiracy, obtaining goods under false pretences, fraudulent conversion, stealing and the issuance of dud cheques, leading to the recovery of seven vehicles valued at part of over ₦1 billion allegedly lost to the fraud.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, uncovered the syndicate while investigating three interconnected cases.
According to Abimbola, investigations revealed that members of the syndicate allegedly obtained vehicles from dealers through false representations and the issuance of dud or post-dated cheques before disposing of the vehicles for personal gain.
She said the total value of the vehicles fraudulently obtained by the suspects exceeds ₦1 billion.
The police spokesperson stated that intelligence-led operations led to the recovery of a 2017 Toyota Highlander, a 2007 Toyota Highlander, a 2010 Toyota RAV4, two 2016 Toyota Hiace buses, one 2020 Toyota Hiace bus, and a 2018 Ford Edge SUV.
She added that efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining vehicles linked to the syndicate.
Abimbola said one suspect, identified as Fatai Balogun, also known as “Eleku,” has been arrested and is currently in police custody, while other members of the syndicate remain at large.
She further quoted the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, as urging vehicle dealers and prospective buyers to exercise caution when conducting vehicle transactions.
The police commissioner advised dealers to verify the identities of buyers, confirm payments before releasing vehicles, and ensure the legitimacy of the source of any vehicle being purchased to avoid falling victim to fraud or unknowingly acquiring stolen or fraudulently obtained vehicles.
