Alleged $320,000 Car Import Fraud: Court Remands Nigerian-American at Kirikiri
A Nigerian-American, Oluwatobi Adegoke, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos following his arraignment over an alleged vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Ilorin Zonal Directorate, arraigned Adegoke on Thursday, October 8, 2026, before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on a one-count charge of stealing.
The commission said Adegoke was arrested in July 2026 over an alleged cross-border fraud involving the purchase and importation of luxury vehicles from the United States into Nigeria.
According to the EFCC, investigations suggested that the defendant was allegedly part of a US-based syndicate that targeted Nigerians by promising to source and ship vehicles from America.
The commission alleged that Adegoke advertised a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria while claiming he could facilitate its purchase and shipment.
Two victims reportedly paid more than $320,000, estimated at ₦434.88 million, in connection with the alleged transaction.
Details of the charge, however, refer to an alleged dishonest conversion of $680,000 belonging to Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike. The money was reportedly transferred to the account of Omosco Auto Sales LLC, Adegoke’s company, for the purchase of a 2022 G-Wagon from an individual identified as Mr Robinson.
When the charge was read to him, Adegoke pleaded not guilty.
EFCC prosecutor Arazeem Adebayo asked the court to schedule the matter for trial and remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
The defence lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, requested that Adegoke be kept in EFCC custody pending the submission of his bail application. However, the court declined the request.
Justice Abike-Fadipe ordered the defendant’s remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre and fixed January 13, 2027, for the commencement of trial.
The allegations have yet to be determined by the court.
