The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Olawuyi, accused of a vehicle scam and the theft of N30 million.
According to SP Umma Ayuba, the Public Relations Officer of the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, through an official statement on Thursday, the operation leading to Olawuyi’s arrest was launched following a petition received by the police from Adesuwa Ogizie, a licensed car dealer based in the United States.
Ogizie reported that Olawuyi had contacted her in 2016 to purchase a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, valued at N30 million, under fraudulent pretences.
“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.
Under the directive of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, a team of detectives from the Zonal Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by SP Abass Gadzama, quickly mobilised to track down and arrest Olawuyi.
During interrogation, Olawuyi confessed to the crime, admitting his involvement in internet fraud at the time and revealing that the Mercedes Benz had already been sold, with the proceeds used for personal gain.
“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.
The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to gather more evidence and trace any additional accomplices.
