Lagos Police Arrest Fraud Syndicate Over N1bn Vehicles

The Lagos State Police Command has successfully dismantled a fraud syndicate that duped auto dealers of vehicles valued at N1 billion. The operation, led by Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai, resulted in the arrest of Fatai Balogun, a member of the syndicate.

The police are actively pursuing the ring leader, identified as Otunba Ismaila Olamilekan, also known as Otunba Jaji. Tijani Fatai warned auto dealers to ensure due diligence before releasing vehicles to prospective buyers.

The investigation revealed that the syndicate employed similar methods to deceive unsuspecting dealers by issuing dud post-dated cheques. Following thorough investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, it was established that the syndicate operated in a coordinated manner to obtain exotic vehicles fraudulently.

During interrogations, Balogun confessed to his involvement in the crimes, which included falsifying payment representations for the vehicles.