The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Tony Ameachi, over an alleged N2.5m fraud involving a deep-freezer dealer.
Ameachi was arrested on September 22, 2026, in Ojo, Lagos State, following an investigation into a complaint lodged with the Igbesa Police Division in April.
The case began after the complainant reportedly responded to an online advertisement for deep freezers on April 1 and transferred N2.5m into a bank account bearing the name Abdulmoruf Abdulahi.
However, the promised goods were not delivered, while the person with whom the complainant had been communicating allegedly became unreachable. The matter was subsequently reported to the police on April 4.
Following investigations, detectives traced and arrested Ameachi in Lagos. A search conducted after his arrest led to the recovery of 25 ATM cards, 25 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards.
According to the police, further investigation uncovered an alleged network through which the suspect obtained utility bills and newly registered SIM cards from associates.
The associates were allegedly instructed to use the documents and SIM cards to open bank accounts, after which the ATM cards were collected and allegedly used to conduct fraudulent transactions.
The police said the investigation was ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify other persons who may have been involved.
The command also advised members of the public to exercise caution when conducting transactions with online vendors and to independently verify sellers before making payments.
It urged prospective buyers to confirm the identity of account holders, particularly when the name on a bank account differs from that of the person offering the goods or services.
The police further advised members of the public to retain transaction receipts, account details, telephone numbers and messages that could assist investigators in the event of a dispute or suspected fraud.
The command also warned against allowing third parties to use personal bank accounts, ATM cards, SIM cards or identity documents, while urging people to keep utility bills and other documents used for financial transactions secure.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspected fraudulent activities promptly to enable law enforcement agencies to preserve evidence and commence investigations.
