By Our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected fraudsters over separate alleged fraud cases involving a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 valued at ₦23 million and £10,000, equivalent to about ₦19 million, allegedly obtained under false pretences.
The suspects were arrested by detectives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit following investigations into the separate complaints.
In the first case, two suspects identified as Bisi Vado and Small Autos were arrested for allegedly posing as legitimate vehicle dealers.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly collected a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 valued at ₦23 million from one Michael Oluwafemi, alongside an additional ₦4 million, under the pretext of assisting him with the sale or importation of another vehicle from overseas.
The suspects allegedly failed to fulfil the agreement after taking possession of the vehicle and money, and instead converted the proceeds to their personal use.
The complainant subsequently sought police intervention, leading to an investigation and the eventual arrest of the two suspects. Police said efforts are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the transaction and recover the alleged proceeds.
In a separate case, detectives arrested Gbenga Omileye over an alleged £10,000 fraud involving one Akinjomo Peter.
The police said the transaction dated back to 2022, when the suspect allegedly collected the money under the pretext of securing United Kingdom student visas for the complainant’s wife and niece.
After receiving the payment, Omileye allegedly forwarded an admission letter purportedly issued in connection with the proposed study arrangement. Subsequent checks, however, reportedly revealed that the admission letter was fraudulent.
The suspect was arrested on August 31, 2026, following sustained investigative efforts by detectives of the Command Monitoring Unit.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the detectives for their diligence and commitment to investigating cases of financial fraud and bringing suspected offenders to justice.
Ohagwu reiterated that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven investigations and proactive policing strategies to protect residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements.
He advised members of the public to exercise due diligence before entrusting individuals with large sums of money or valuable property, particularly in transactions involving vehicle importation, overseas travel, education, visas and other major financial commitments.
The police said the suspects are undergoing further investigation and would be charged to court in accordance with the law upon completion of the investigation.
