By our Reporter
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Tony Ameachi, in connection with an alleged ₦2.5 million fraud involving the sale of deep freezers.
The arrest followed an investigation into a complaint lodged at the Igbesa Police Division on April 4, 2026, after the complainant allegedly transferred ₦2.5 million to a bank account bearing the name Abdulmoruf Abdulahi for the purchase of deep freezers advertised online.
According to the police, the complainant, who deals in the purchase and resale of deep freezers, contacted the person behind the online advertisement and subsequently made the payment. The goods were allegedly not delivered, while the person she had been communicating with stopped responding to her messages.
Detectives investigating the case reportedly traced Ameachi to the Ojo area of Lagos State, where he was arrested on September 22. A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 25 ATM cards, 25 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards.
Further investigation allegedly revealed that the suspect obtained utility bills and newly registered SIM cards from associates, who were instructed to use them to open different bank accounts. The ATM cards were subsequently collected by the suspect and allegedly used for transactions connected with fraudulent activities.
The suspect, case file and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation. The police said the recovered items were being examined to determine their connection with the present case and other possible fraudulent transactions, as well as identify other suspects or victims.
The Command said the suspect would be charged to court in accordance with the law upon completion of the investigation.
The police advised members of the public to verify the identity and credibility of online sellers before making payments, particularly where the account name differs from the person with whom they are dealing. They also urged people to preserve transaction records and promptly report suspected fraud.
The Command further warned members of the public against allowing others to use their ATM cards, bank accounts, SIM cards or personal documents for transactions they do not control, stressing the need for caution when sharing utility bills and other documents that can be used for account registration.
