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By Sola Rotimi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate has arraigned a Nigerian-American, Oluwatobi Adegoke, before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud valued at $320,000 (approximately ₦434.88 million).
Adegoke faces a one-count charge bordering on stealing and dishonest conversion contrary to Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant allegedly converted the sum of $680,000 transferred to his company’s bank account, Omosco Auto Sales LLC, belonging to one Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike in December 2024 for the purchase of a 2022 G-Wagon.
Investigators revealed that Adegoke was arrested in July 2026 following allegations that he belonged to a United States-based syndicate specializing in defrauding prospective Nigerian buyers.
While residing in the U.S., the defendant reportedly advertised photographs of a luxury 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, collecting over $320,000 from two victims under the guise of procuring and importing the vehicle.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge upon his arraignment.
Following the plea, EFCC prosecution counsel Arazeem Adebayo urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in custody.
Defense counsel Olalekan Abiodun raised an initial objection to the arraignment, which was overruled by the court.
Abiodun subsequently requested that the defendant remain in EFCC custody pending the filing of a formal bail application, but Justice Abike-Fadipe rejected the request.
Justice Abike-Fadipe ordered that Adegoke be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until January 13, 2027, for commencement of trial.
