Police Arrest Fake Customs Officer Over Alleged N1.8m U.S. Shipment Scam in Lagos

 Police Arrest Fake Customs Officer Over Alleged N1.8m U.S. Shipment Scam in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a Nigeria Customs Service officer and defrauding a resident of N520,000 in a fraudulent shipment scheme in which he claimed he could clear and deliver goods purportedly sent from the United States.

The arrest followed an investigation into allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, impersonation and stealing after the victim petitioned the police.

According to police sources, the suspect contacted the complainant on July 15, claiming that a consignment shipped from the United States had arrived in Nigeria. To make the claim appear genuine, he allegedly sent a shipping label and tracking number before demanding N1.8 million as clearing and delivery charges.

Believing the claim, the complainant agreed to pay the amount and made an initial payment of N520,000, with the balance to be paid upon delivery of the goods.

However, immediately after receiving the money, the suspect allegedly became unreachable and stopped responding to the complainant's telephone calls.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Fatai Tijani, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, to intensify investigations into the matter.

The case is being handled by the Swift Enquiry Team (SET) under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin.

Investigators later discovered that the suspect had also presented himself as a clearing agent to lend credibility to the alleged fraud.

During the investigation, detectives recovered a purported Nigeria Customs Service identity card bearing the suspect's name, as well as another identification card portraying him as a serving Superintendent of the Nigeria Customs Service with Service No. 34549. Police believe the documents were allegedly used to impersonate public officials and facilitate the scam.

The suspect was eventually apprehended after detectives devised a sting operation, inviting him to collect the outstanding balance of the money. He was arrested upon arriving at the agreed meeting point.

Police said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect may have defrauded other victims using the same method.

The suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.