Lagos Police Arrest Alleged Kingpin of ₦1 Billion Vehicle Fraud Syndicate, Recover 16 Exotic Cars
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Ismaila Jaji, popularly known as “Otunba,” the alleged kingpin of a vehicle fraud syndicate accused of fraudulently acquiring 29 vehicles valued at over ₦1 billion across Lagos.
The suspect, who had reportedly been on the run for several months, was apprehended following extensive investigations and confessional statements made by previously arrested members of the syndicate, who identified him as the alleged mastermind behind the criminal operation.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, to intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner had earlier assured members of the public during a press briefing, where some of the recovered exotic vehicles were displayed, that the alleged leader of the syndicate would be brought to justice a promise that has now been fulfilled.
According to a police source, the syndicate specialised in fraudulently obtaining exotic vehicles from unsuspecting car dealers across Lagos through false representations before illegally converting and disposing of the vehicles for personal gain.
“The suspects targeted reputable vehicle dealers by claiming the vehicles were required for legitimate business transactions or political purposes.
“They obtained the vehicles using dud or post-dated cheques before selling and transferring them to third parties, while concealing the identities of the principal beneficiaries through intermediaries.
“The breakthrough followed the harmonisation of three initial investigations, which later expanded to twelve cases involving conspiracy, obtaining goods by false pretence, fraudulent conversion, stealing, and the issuance of dud cheques.
“Although the cases were reported separately by different complainants, detectives established that they were perpetrated by the same organised criminal network.
“Investigations identified members of the syndicate as Adeyemo Muritala, Fatai Eleku, Fatai Balogun, Ismail Ajayi, Bashiru Babatunde, one Otunba, and another suspect identified simply as Segun,” the source said.
The source added that intelligence-led policing, supported by the AUTOREG vehicle tracking platform, has so far led to the recovery of 16 vehicles, 12 of which have already been returned to their rightful owners.
According to the police, vehicles valued at approximately ₦534 million are still outstanding, while efforts are ongoing to recover them and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
“We remain committed to apprehending all those involved, recovering the outstanding vehicles, and ensuring they are prosecuted,” the source added.
Police said the investigation exposed a coordinated criminal syndicate rather than isolated incidents.
The Command advised vehicle dealers to thoroughly verify the identities and credentials of prospective buyers and to exercise caution whenever transactions involve post-dated cheques or unfamiliar intermediaries.
The investigation is being coordinated by the Financial Crimes Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin.
