The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo command, has arrested a 24-year-old suspect over an alleged internet fraud involving a fake online vehicle purchase worth more than N3 million.

The state commandant of the NSCDC, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this during a news conference in Benin on Monday.

Mr Akintayo said the case was reported on February 3 by the complainant, Olanrewaju Nurudeen, of Aduwawa, Benin, who attempted to purchase a 2010 Toyota Corolla through a U.S.-based car auction website.

According to him, the complainant unknowingly transferred N3,005,000 into an Access Bank account belonging to Oluwafunmilayo Olubode, after the online platform was allegedly compromised by fraudsters.

“After receiving the complaint, I directed the command’s investigative team to immediately track down those involved in the fraudulent act.

“The investigators obtained a court order to access the account details linked to the transaction. This led to the arrest of one Momoh Rabiu, from Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

“The suspect confessed that his bank account was used by his friend popularly known as ‘Destiny Money’, who is currently at large, to receive the fraudulent funds,” he said.

The commandant added that the suspect confessed receiving N277,000 as his share from the proceeds of the alleged fraud.

He said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, while investigation into the case would continued.

“At the conclusion of investigation, the suspect will be charged to court,” he said.

Mr Akintayo reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and other forms of criminal activities in the state.

(NAN)