Fraud on Four Wheels: Police Recover $7,000 in Abuja Luxury Car Scam

THE Zone 7 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force has, successfully, uncovered a suspected fraud case involving the sale of a faulty luxury vehicle, recovering $7,000 USD for the complainant, a resident of Abuja.

The incident, initially reported through a formal petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police on 19th June 2025, centred around a fraudulent car sale at Ilado Car Stand in Lokogoma, FCT Abuja.

The main suspect, Mr Peter Ikechukwu Okorie, along with an accomplice identified only as Mr Paul, allegedly orchestrated the scam.

According to the complainant, she came across a Facebook advertisement on 10th June 2025 for a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon listed at ₦32 million (approximately $20,000 USD). She contacted the seller, Mr Ikechukwu, and proceeded to inspect the vehicle. At the time, she was informed that the car’s only fault was with the power steering system, which would be repaired within a week.

Based on this assurance, the complainant paid a deposit of $7,000 USD under the agreement that the amount would be refunded if she chose not to finalise the purchase.

However, after a follow-up inspection by a certified Mercedes-Benz mechanic, multiple mechanical and electrical faults were uncovered—far beyond the originally disclosed issue.

When she requested a refund, Mr Peter and Mr Paul refused, stating that a refund would only be possible if another buyer was found, without providing any clear timeframe. This raised serious suspicion of fraudulent intent.

Following the approved petition, detectives from the Zone 7 Headquarters—led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile—swiftly invited Mr Peter Ikechukwu for questioning. During the investigation, Mr Ikechukwu confessed to the crime and returned the $7,000 USD.

Efforts are currently underway to apprehend his accomplice, Mr Paul, who remains at large and is being sought for prosecution.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Zone 7 reiterated the Force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, and to reducing crime to its barest minimum. He also urged the public to exercise due diligence when engaging in high-value transactions, especially those initiated online.