By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate specialized in vehicle fraud, recovering luxury cars and buses valued at over N1 billion following a harmonized investigation into three interlinked cases.

According to the Lagos state commissioner of police, CP Fatai Tijani during a press briefing at the state command Ikeja on Tuesday, the coordinated operation, led by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, uncovered a criminal network that had been systematically defrauding vehicle dealers across Lagos using dud cheques, false representations, and complex intermediary arrangements.

CP Tijani revealed that the syndicate typically targeted reputable vehicle dealers by making false representations about high-profile clients, including claims of supplying vehicles to prominent politicians in Abuja. The suspects would issue post-dated cheques that were subsequently dishonored upon presentation at banks.

"These cases were reported independently by different complainants at different times. However, thorough and painstaking investigations revealed striking similarities in the methods employed by the suspects, leading to the harmonization of the investigations." CP Tijani explained

The first investigation centered on a suspect identified as Muritala, who fraudulently obtained vehicles under the pretence that payment would be made after disposal of the vehicles. During interrogation, Muritala implicated one Fatai Balogun, also known as "Eleku," as his accomplice.

Detectives soon discovered that Balogun was already under investigation for similar offences, further exposing the scale of the operation. Balogun admitted his participation and revealed that the stolen vehicles were subsequently handed over to one Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, who is currently at large.

Through intelligence-led operations and the AUTOREG vehicle tracking platform, detectives recovered several luxury vehicles from this case, including:
• Toyota RAV4 (2010 Model)
• Toyota Highlander (2007 Model)
• Toyota Highlander (2017 Model)
The investigation established that Balogun was linked to at least twelve exotic vehicles fraudulently obtained from different dealers.

The second case involved three separate complainants against Fatai Balogun, Ismail Olamilekan, and others on charges of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, issuance of dud cheques, and stealing.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had fraudulently obtained seven vehicles valued at approximately N700 million by falsely claiming the vehicles were being supplied to prominent politicians in Abuja. All post-dated cheques issued for payment were dishonored upon presentation.
Recovered vehicles from this case include:
• Toyota Hiace Bus (2020 Model)
• Ford Edge SUV (2018 Model)

The third case, also involving Fatai Balogun alongside Bashiru Babatunde and others, concerned the fraudulent acquisition of ten Toyota Hiace buses (2016 Model) valued at N320 million. The suspects falsely claimed they were acting on behalf of one Alhaji Ismaila and another person identified only as Segun, both currently at large.

A post-dated cheque issued as payment was dishonoured due to insufficient funds.

Following sustained investigative efforts, detectives recovered eight of the buses, though in damaged condition. Two Toyota Hiace buses valued at N56.5 million remain outstanding.

The suspects admitted to detectives that the vehicles were procured on the instructions of Alhaji Ismaila for purported political campaign activities.

To date, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully recovered:
• Toyota Highlander (2017 Model)
• Toyota RAV4 (2010 Model)
• Toyota Highlander (2007 Model)
• Two Toyota Hiace Buses (2016 Model)
• Toyota Hiace Bus (2020 Model)
• Ford Edge SUV (2018 Model)

Several other vehicles remain outstanding, and efforts are ongoing to arrest all fleeing suspects, including Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, Alhaji Ismaila, and the individual identified as Segun.

CP Tijani advised vehicle dealers to exercise due diligence before releasing vehicles, particularly where payment is made through post-dated cheques or transactions involving unfamiliar intermediaries.

"The Lagos State Police Command remains resolute in dismantling organized criminal syndicates operating within and beyond Lagos State. We assure members of the public, particularly vehicle dealers and business owners, that every legitimate complaint will be thoroughly investigated, and all those involved in criminal activities will be brought to justice." CP Tijani stated

The Command also appreciated members of the public who continue to provide credible information that aids investigations and urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Lagos State Police Command's emergency lines.