The Zone 7 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect involved in the alleged fraudulent sale of a defective Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and recovered the sum of $7,000 from him.

 

This was disclosed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Halima Mohammed, in a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

According to the statement, the case was reported via a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7 on June 19, 2025, following a failed vehicle transaction at Ilado Car Stand in the Lokogoma area of the Federal Capital Territory.

 

“The complainant reported that she came across a Facebook advertisement on June 10 for a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon listed at ₦32 million (approximately $20,000),” ASP Mohammed stated.

 

She explained that the complainant visited the car stand for an inspection and was informed that the only issue with the vehicle was a faulty power steering system, which the seller assured would be repaired within a week.

 

“Trusting the seller’s word, the complainant paid a $7,000 deposit with the understanding that a refund would be issued if she opted out of the deal,” Mohammed said.

 

However, a subsequent inspection by a certified Mercedes-Benz mechanic revealed multiple severe electrical and mechanical faults far beyond what was initially disclosed.

 

When the buyer requested a refund, the suspect reportedly refused, stating that no refund would be made until the vehicle was resold to another buyer and failed to provide a definite timeline for repayment — triggering suspicions of fraud.

 

Upon receiving the petition, detectives led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile swung into action. The suspect was invited for questioning, where he confessed to the crime. The police successfully recovered the $7,000 paid by the complainant.

 

The police also disclosed that efforts are underway to apprehend a fleeing accomplice linked to the fraudulent transaction.

 

Zone 7 authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens against fraudulent activities and urged the public to remain vigilant when making high-value transactions.