Police Recover $7,000 After Fraudulent Sale of Faulty G-Wagon in Abuja

Authorities at the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Headquarters in Abuja have arrested a suspect over the alleged fraudulent sale of a defective Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, recovering $7,000 from the transaction.

According to a statement released on July 2 by Zone 7 spokesperson ASP Halima Mohammed, the case originated from a petition submitted on June 19 to the Assistant Inspector General of Police. The complainant had responded to a Facebook advert showcasing a G-Wagon priced at N32 million (approximately $20,000) and was lured to inspect the vehicle at Ilado Car Stand in Lokogoma, Abuja.

The seller reportedly claimed the only issue with the car was a faulty power steering, promising it would be fixed within a week. Based on this assurance and a mutual agreement for a refund if unsatisfied, the buyer made a $7,000 deposit.

However, a follow-up inspection by a certified Mercedes-Benz mechanic uncovered numerous undisclosed electrical and mechanical problems. When the buyer requested a refund, the suspect refused, stating repayment would only be possible if the car was sold to another customer and failed to provide a repayment timeline.

Upon receiving the petition, police detectives led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile launched an investigation. The suspect, invited for questioning, confessed to the fraud. Authorities subsequently recovered the full $7,000 deposit and are now pursuing an accomplice believed to have fled.

Police emphasized their commitment to cracking down on online fraud and urged buyers to always verify claims independently before making payments.