Lagos Police Bust Multi-Million Naira Vehicle Fraud Syndicate, Recover Exotic Cars and Hiace Buses
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a sophisticated vehicle fraud syndicate allegedly responsible for defrauding automobile dealers of hundreds of millions of naira through the use of dud and post-dated cheques, leading to the recovery of several exotic vehicles and buses.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, disclosed that detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, harmonized investigations into three separate cases after discovering a common pattern linking the suspects to a coordinated criminal network.
According to the Commissioner, the syndicate specialized in obtaining luxury vehicles from unsuspecting dealers through false pretences, issuing dud or post-dated cheques as payment, and quickly disposing of the vehicles for personal gain.
First Investigation Exposes Major Fraud Network
CP Fatai revealed that the first case involved a suspect identified as Muritala, who fraudulently obtained vehicles after promising to pay dealers once the vehicles had been sold.
During interrogation, Muritala allegedly confessed to the crime and identified Fatai Balogun, popularly known as Eleku, as his accomplice. Further investigations showed that Balogun was already under investigation by SCID for similar offences.
Police said Balogun admitted participating in the fraudulent transactions and disclosed that the vehicles were handed over to one Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, who is currently on the run.
Investigators linked Balogun to the fraudulent acquisition of twelve exotic vehicles from different dealers. Through intelligence-driven operations and the AUTOREG vehicle tracking platform, detectives recovered a Toyota RAV4 (2010 model), Toyota Highlander (2007 model) and Toyota Highlander (2017 model).
N700 Million Vehicle Fraud Uncovered
In the second case, three complainants accused Fatai Balogun, Ismail Olamilekan and other accomplices of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, stealing and issuance of dud cheques.
Investigations revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained seven vehicles valued at approximately ₦700 million after falsely claiming the vehicles were meant for prominent politicians in Abuja.
The payment, made with post-dated cheques, was dishonoured when presented at the bank.
Balogun reportedly confessed to selling the vehicles to different buyers. Detectives subsequently recovered a Toyota Hiace Bus (2020 model) and a Ford Edge SUV (2018 model).
Eight Hiace Buses Recovered
The third investigation involved Fatai Balogun, Bashiru Babatunde and other accomplices accused of fraudulently acquiring ten Toyota Hiace buses (2016 model) worth ₦320 million.
Police said the suspects falsely claimed they were acting on behalf of one Alhaji Ismaila and another individual identified simply as Segun, both of whom remain at large. A post-dated cheque issued for the transaction later bounced due to insufficient funds.
Following sustained investigations, detectives recovered eight of the ten buses, although they were found in damaged condition. Two buses valued at ₦56.5 million are still missing.
The suspects allegedly confessed that the vehicles were procured on the instructions of Alhaji Ismaila for supposed political campaign activities.
Common Modus Operandi
CP Fatai explained that investigators discovered all three cases were interconnected and executed by the same criminal syndicate.
According to him, the group typically targets reputable vehicle dealers, obtains vehicles through false representations and dud or post-dated cheques, transfers the vehicles to third parties immediately after collection, converts the proceeds for personal gain and uses intermediaries to conceal the identities of the principal beneficiaries.
He noted that harmonizing the investigations enabled detectives to expose the wider criminal enterprise instead of treating each complaint as an isolated incident.
Police Intensify Manhunt
The Commissioner confirmed that recovered exhibits include Toyota Highlander (2017 model), Toyota RAV4 (2010 model), Toyota Highlander (2007 model), Toyota Hiace buses and a Ford Edge SUV, while efforts are ongoing to recover more vehicles and arrest all fleeing suspects.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling organised crime, CP Fatai assured residents and business owners that every legitimate complaint would be thoroughly investigated and all offenders prosecuted.
He also advised vehicle dealers to exercise caution by verifying payments before releasing vehicles, particularly where transactions involve post-dated cheques or unfamiliar intermediaries.
The Commissioner further appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist police investigations and urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities through the nearest police station or the Lagos State Police Command’s emergency lines.