The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Olabanji Aluko, a suspected fraudster, for an alleged $17.5 million advance fee fraud.
On Wednesday, September 8, 2022, Aluko, who claimed to be a driver, was apprehended at a popular eatery in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The suspect claimed to have set up a meeting with petitioner Col. Remi Abdulrahman Adeyemo (rtd).
In his statement to the EFCC, Adeyemo claimed to have received a phone call from a man identified as Ojo.
Ojo claimed to have known him for years and claimed that his son had filed for divorce in the United States and wanted to sell his properties to avoid losing them to his wife.
Adeyemo stated that Ojo requested his assistance in receiving the aforementioned sum, which was the proceeds of the sale of his son’s properties in America.
The suspect assured him that the money would be shipped from the United States via a company called Loomis International, based in New York.
Ojo went on to say that a code would be sent to him, which he would have to present before he could take possession of the aforementioned sum.
Adeyemo received another call demanding that he pay $5,700 in “handling fees” in order to receive the money.
The retired military officer reported the case to the EFCC after suspecting Ojo of wrongdoing.
The agency apprehended the suspect as he was about to hand over the fake bills totaling $17.5 million to the petitioner. He will be charged in court soon.
