The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for his alleged involvement in a cross-border vehicle import fraud scheme totaling over $320,000 (approximately ₦434.88 million). Adams is being investigated for criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretense.
EFCC Investigation Details
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC indicate that Adams may be part of a syndicate based in the United States. The syndicate allegedly specializes in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians by pretending to purchase and import vehicles from the US. The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement on its X handle (@officialEFCC) on Friday, June 19, 2026.
According to the EFCC, Adams advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria while he was in the United States. He promised to purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them.
Victims and Payments
Investigations revealed that two victims paid a total of $320,000 for the same vehicle. One victim, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, reportedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary. Another victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000 for the same vehicle. The vehicle was never delivered.
Further investigation uncovered a prior criminal record involving Adams in the United States, allegedly related to the illegal acquisition of vehicles. Adams was arrested by operatives of the EFCC's Ilorin Zonal Directorate upon his return to Nigeria. He will be arraigned in court after the investigations are concluded.
Public Reactions
Nigerians on social media reacted to the arrest. User @Newsyupdatesll commented: "Syndicates operating across borders is a reminder that scams scale faster than regulation." Another user, @atiyuski, said: "Everyday for thief, one day for the owner." @Umunzu questioned: "Since when did you start covering the face of alleged criminals?" @7leky remarked: "Some humans are just destined for destruction. How can you be in a land filled with opportunities to make money, yet still defraud people from your home country?" @Samlight102020 joked: "Ona cover him face so that he go fit defraud another person tomorrow?" @9jawithtobi added: "Aswear, Adams fit sell ice to Eskimo. US record dey yet him still waka enter Naija come thief $320k. We no dey screen? EFCC try sha."
Other EFCC Cases
Recall that the EFCC is also investigating Prophet Sunday Koboko over alleged N70 million fraud involving church members. Victims claimed that payments for spiritual interventions yielded no results despite promises from the prophet. The prophet's alleged tactics included miracle products and false lottery winnings to exploit congregants financially.
In another development, Nigeria's government issued wanted lists for foreign nationals allegedly involved in financial crimes. As of Monday, June 8, 2026, at least three individuals are still wanted by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for fraud and related offenses. Notable cases include Peiyuan Niu and Khalidur Talukder, wanted for obtaining money by false pretense.
