The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Tony Ameachi, over an alleged N2.5m fraud involving a deep freezer transaction. According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation into the case began in April 2026. The complainant, a dealer in the purchase and resale of deep freezers, responded to an online advertisement for the sale of the goods on April 1, 2026.
The complainant subsequently contacted the person behind the advertisement and, after discussions, transferred N2.5m to a bank account bearing the name Abdulmoruf Abdulahi for the purchase of the freezers. However, the goods were allegedly not delivered, while the person with whom the complainant had been communicating reportedly stopped responding to her messages. The matter was reported at the Igbesa Police Division on April 4, 2026, prompting detectives to commence an investigation.
The investigation yielded a breakthrough in September 2026, when detectives traced Tony Ameachi to the Ojo area of Lagos State, where he was arrested on September 22, 2026. A search conducted during the arrest led to the recovery of 25 Automated Teller Machine cards, 25 mobile phones, and 16 Subscriber Identity Module cards. The police said these items are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Further investigation established that the suspect allegedly obtained utility bills and newly registered SIM cards from associates, who were directed to use them to open various bank accounts. The ATM cards were thereafter collected by the suspect and allegedly used in transactions connected with fraudulent activities. The police are working to establish the relevance of the recovered devices to the present case.
The recovered devices, ATM cards, and SIM cards are being examined to determine whether they are connected to other similar transactions and identify other persons or possible victims linked to the investigation. The suspect, case file, and recovered exhibits have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further discreet investigation.
The police urged members of the public to verify the identities and credibility of sellers before making substantial payments for goods or services, particularly during online transactions. They also advised members of the public to retain transaction receipts, account details, telephone numbers, messages, and other relevant records when conducting online transactions.
The police encouraged members of the public to report suspected fraud promptly, noting that early reporting could assist investigators in tracing suspects and preserving relevant evidence. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged to court in accordance with the law. The suspect's case file and recovered exhibits are currently with the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Key points
- The Ogun State Police Command arrested a 45-year-old man for allegedly defrauding a woman of N2.5m in a deep freezer transaction.
- The police recovered 25 ATM cards, 25 mobile phones, and 16 SIM cards from the suspect during the arrest.
- The police urged the public to verify the identities of sellers and retain transaction records to avoid falling victim to online fraud.
