By Crime Correspondent
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered what it described as a coordinated vehicle fraud syndicate allegedly responsible for defrauding automobile dealers of exotic vehicles worth hundreds of millions of naira through the use of dud and post-dated cheques.
Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of harmonised investigations into three separate but interconnected fraud cases handled by detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.
According to the police commissioner, the investigations, which began as separate complaints from different victims, later revealed a common pattern of operation, prompting detectives to merge the cases and uncover what he described as an organised criminal network.
"The investigations established the existence of a coordinated criminal syndicate specialising in fraudulently obtaining exotic vehicles from unsuspecting dealers through deception, the issuance of dud and post-dated cheques, and the subsequent conversion of the vehicles for personal gain," Fatai said.
First Investigation
The first case involved a suspect identified as Muritala, who allegedly obtained several vehicles after promising to pay once the vehicles had been sold.
During interrogation, Muritala allegedly confessed to the crime and identified Fatai Balogun, also known as Eleku, as his accomplice.
Police said further investigations revealed that Balogun was already under investigation over a similar offence. He reportedly admitted participating in the fraudulent transactions and disclosed that the vehicles were handed over to Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, who remains at large.
Investigators linked Balogun to the fraudulent acquisition of 12 exotic vehicles from different dealers.
Using intelligence gathering and the AUTOREG vehicle tracking platform, detectives recovered a 2010 Toyota RAV4, a 2007 Toyota Highlander, and a 2017 Toyota Highlander.
Second Investigation
In the second case, three complainants accused Fatai Balogun, Ismail Olamilekan and others of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, stealing and issuing dud cheques.
According to police, the suspects fraudulently obtained seven vehicles valued at about ₦700 million after claiming the vehicles were being supplied to prominent politicians in Abuja.
The suspects allegedly issued post-dated cheques as payment, all of which were dishonoured when presented for payment.
Balogun reportedly confessed to disposing of the vehicles to different buyers.
Detectives recovered a 2020 Toyota Hiace Bus and a 2018 Ford Edge SUV during the investigation.
Third Investigation
The third case also implicated Balogun alongside Bashiru Babatunde and others in the alleged fraudulent acquisition of 10 Toyota Hiace buses (2016 model) valued at ₦320 million.
Police said the suspects falsely claimed they were acting on behalf of one Alhaji Ismaila and another suspect identified simply as Segun, both of whom remain at large.
A post-dated cheque issued for the transaction was later returned due to insufficient funds.
Following sustained investigations, detectives recovered eight of the buses, although police said they were found in damaged condition.
Two Toyota Hiace buses valued at ₦56.5 million are yet to be recovered.
The suspects allegedly told investigators that the vehicles were procured on the instructions of Alhaji Ismaila for purported political campaign activities.
Modus Operandi
The police said a comparative analysis of the three cases confirmed they were executed by the same syndicate using a similar pattern.
According to the command, the group allegedly targeted reputable vehicle dealers, obtained vehicles through dud or post-dated cheques, quickly transferred the vehicles to third parties and converted the proceeds for personal gain while using intermediaries to conceal the identities of the principal beneficiaries.
Vehicles Recovered
The Lagos State Police Command said it has so far recovered:
- 2017 Toyota Highlander
- 2010 Toyota RAV4
- 2007 Toyota Highlander
- Two 2016 Toyota Hiace buses
- 2020 Toyota Hiace bus
- 2018 Ford Edge SUV
Police added that efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding vehicles.
Fatai reaffirmed the command's commitment to dismantling organised criminal syndicates operating within and outside Lagos State.
He advised vehicle dealers and business owners to exercise caution before releasing vehicles, particularly where payment is made through post-dated cheques or unfamiliar intermediaries.
The commissioner also urged residents to continue providing credible information to assist law enforcement agencies in combating organised crime across the state.