The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected fraudsters over separate alleged fraud cases involving a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 valued at N23 million and £10,000, estimated at about N19 million, allegedly obtained under false pretences.
The arrests followed sustained investigations by detectives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit as the police intensify efforts to dismantle fraud networks operating across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Sunday.
In the first case, detectives arrested two suspects identified as Bisi Vado and another suspect known as Small Autos, who allegedly presented themselves as legitimate vehicle dealers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly obtained a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 worth N23 million from a complainant, identified as Michael Oluwafemi, under the guise of assisting him with the sale or importation of another vehicle from overseas.
The suspects allegedly collected an additional N4 million from the complainant for the purported transaction.
The police said that after taking possession of the vehicle and the money, the suspects allegedly failed to fulfil the agreement and instead converted the assets to their personal use.
The alleged victim subsequently reported the matter to the police, prompting detectives to launch an investigation and intelligence-gathering operation that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects.
Police said investigations are continuing to unravel the full circumstances of the transaction and facilitate the recovery of the alleged proceeds.
£10,000 UK Student Visa Scam
In a separate case, the Command arrested Gbenga Omileye, who is accused of defrauding Akinjomo Peter of £10,000, equivalent to approximately N19 million, in a transaction dating back to 2022.
According to preliminary findings, Omileye allegedly collected the money after promising to secure United Kingdom student visas for the complainant’s wife and niece.
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After receiving the payment, the suspect allegedly sent the complainant an admission letter purportedly issued in connection with the proposed study arrangement.
However, subsequent verification reportedly showed that the admission letter was fraudulent.
Following sustained investigative efforts, detectives of the Command Monitoring Unit arrested the suspect on August 31, 2026.
The two cases highlight the growing risks associated with fraudulent schemes targeting individuals seeking overseas education, travel opportunities and high-value business transactions.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the detectives for their diligence and commitment to investigating financial crimes and bringing suspected offenders to justice.
Ohagwu reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven investigations and proactive policing to protect residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements.
The police chief also urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution before handing over large sums of money or valuable property to individuals, particularly in transactions involving vehicle importation, overseas travel, education, visas and other major financial commitments.
The three suspects remain in police custody and are undergoing further investigation.
The Command said they will be charged to court in accordance with the law upon completion of the investigation.