By Ebinum Samuel
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Tony Ameachi, 45, in connection with a case of obtaining money under false pretence involving ₦2.5 million, following a breakthrough in an investigation that commenced in April 2026.
The incident occurred on 1 April 2026, when the complainant, who deals in the purchase and resale of deep freezers, responded to an online advertisement for the goods and subsequently contacted the person behind the offer.
Following discussions, she transferred ₦2,500,000 into a bank account bearing the name Abdulmoruf Abdulahi for the purchase of the deep freezers for resale. The goods were not delivered, and the person with whom she had been dealing subsequently stopped responding to her messages.
The matter was formally reported at Igbesa Police Division on 4 April 2026, following which detectives commenced 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 22 September 2026.
A search conducted during the arrest led to the recovery of 25 ATM cards, 25 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards.
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 recovered devices, ATM cards and SIM cards are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation to establish their relevance to the present case, 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 (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further discreet investigation.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged to court in accordance with the law.
LESSONS FROM THE CASE, ACCORDING TO OGUN POLICE SPOKESMAN, DSP OLUSEYI BABASEYI
* Verify before payment: Confirm the identity and credibility of a prospective seller before making substantial payments for goods or services.
* Confirm transaction details: Ensure that the identity of the person receiving payment is properly established, particularly where the account name differs from the person with whom you are dealing.
* Preserve evidence: Keep transaction receipts, account details, telephone numbers, messages and other relevant records when conducting online transactions.
* Report promptly: Early reporting of suspected fraud gives investigators an opportunity to trace persons involved and preserve relevant evidence.
* Protect your banking details: Do not allow others to use your ATM cards, bank accounts, SIM cards or personal documents for transactions you do not control.
* Be careful with personal documents: Utility bills and other documents capable of being used for account registration should be kept secure and should not be handed over indiscriminately.
* Exercise due diligence online: An online offer should be independently verified before money is transferred.
