The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Tony Ameachi for allegedly defrauding a businesswoman of ₦2.5 million under the guise of selling deep freezers. The suspect was apprehended on September 22, 2026, in the Ojo area of Lagos State following a months-long investigation that began in April.
The victim, who deals in the purchase and resale of deep freezers, responded to an online advertisement on April 1, 2026. After negotiating with the advertised contact, she transferred ₦2.5 million into a bank account under the name Abdulmoruf Abdulahi. However, the seller failed to deliver the goods and abruptly severed all communication, prompting the victim to report the incident to the Igbesa Police Division on April 4, 2026.
Upon searching the suspect at the time of his arrest, detectives recovered 25 ATM cards, 25 mobile phones, and 16 SIM cards. Further investigation revealed that Ameachi allegedly acquired utility bills and newly registered SIM cards from associates to open multiple bank accounts. He then collected the associated ATM cards to execute fraudulent online transactions.
Police detectives are examining the confiscated devices, SIM cards, and bank cards to determine if they are linked to other victims or broader cybercrime networks. The suspect and all recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department at Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation before he is charged to court.
Following the incident, law enforcement authorities advised the public to independently verify the identity of online vendors before transferring funds, particularly when payment accounts differ from the contact person.
Members of the public were also reminded to report suspicious transactions promptly, secure personal documents such as utility bills, and refrain from permitting third parties to use their SIM cards or bank account details.
