The police said it has arrested a suspect over the alleged fraudulent sale of a defective luxury vehicle and recovered $7,000 from the suspect.

“The AIG was petitioned over a fraudulent sales transaction at Ilado Car Stand in the Lokogoma area of Abuja, orchestrated by the suspect.

“The complainant reported that she saw a Facebook advertisement on June 10 for a Mercedes-Benz G-Waggon offered for sale at N32 million, equivalent to $20,000,” said a statement by the Zone 7 police.

It disclosed that the complainant had contacted the seller, now the suspect, and proceeded to inspect the vehicle at the designated car stand.

“Upon inspection, she was told that the only fault with the car was its power steering system, which would be fixed within one week.

“Based on this assurance, the complainant paid a deposit of $7,000 with a mutual understanding that the money paid will be returned if she chooses not to proceed with the purchase,” said the police.

It added, “Upon conducting a follow-up inspection with a certified Mercedes-Benz mechanic, significant electrical and mechanical defects were discovered beyond the initially stated issue.

“When she requested a refund, the suspect insisted that no refund would be made unless the car was sold to another buyer.”

The police explained that the suspect had also refused to provide a clear timeline for the payment, thereby raising suspicions of a fraudulent act.

According to the police, upon receiving the petition, police detectives from the zone, led by Akinlabi Ogundile, took swift action.

The police stated that the suspect, who was subsequently invited for questioning, confessed to the crime during the investigation, and a sum of $7,000 was recovered from him.

The statement added that the police were intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing accomplice of the suspect. 

(NAN)