The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned a Dubai-based Nigerian, Abubakar Mohammed, over an alleged $307,500 fraud involving the shipment of luxury vehicles

Mohammed was arrested in the United Arab Emirates by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) after he was accused of defrauding an international automobile dealer under the pretext of facilitating the transportation of high-end cars from Dubai to Nigeria.

According to the police, the complaint was first lodged in July 2023. Investigations revealed that Mohammed obtained a contract to handle the payment and shipment of ten luxury vehicles valued at $307,500 through recognised shipping firms. However, after receiving the funds through a third-party FCMB account belonging to one Anas Usaini from Kano, the money was allegedly laundered in Dubai.

Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said the suspect provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading and became unreachable shortly after the transaction was completed.

Mohammed was extradited to Nigeria on May 23 and arraigned on Tuesday before a federal high court in Abuja. He pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.

The court ordered his remand at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Keffi, Nasarawa state, pending the hearing of his bail application, which is scheduled for July 17, 2025.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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