Police arrest 45-year-old over N2.5m deep freezer fraud in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Tony Ameachi, over an alleged N2.5m fraud involving a deep freezer transaction.

The command also said 25 Automated Teller Machine cards, 25 mobile phones and 16 Subscriber Identity Module cards were recovered from the suspect following his arrest.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, adding that the investigation into the case began in April 2026.

According to the statement, the complainant, a dealer in the purchase and resale of deep freezers, responded to an online advertisement for the sale of the goods on April 1, 2026.

She subsequently contacted the person behind the advertisement and, after discussions, transferred N2.5m to a bank account bearing the name Abdulmoruf Abdulahi for the purchase of the freezers.

However, the goods were allegedly not delivered, while the person with whom the complainant had been communicating reportedly stopped responding to her messages.

The matter was reported at the Igbesa Police Division on April 4, 2026, prompting detectives to commence an investigation.

Babaseyi said, “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, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further discreet investigation.

“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged to court in accordance with the law.”

The police urged members of the public to verify the identities and credibility of sellers before making substantial payments for goods or services, particularly during online transactions.

The command also advised members of the public to retain transaction receipts, account details, telephone numbers, messages and other relevant records when conducting online transactions.

It further warned against allowing other people to use one’s ATM cards, bank accounts, SIM cards or personal documents for transactions outside the owner’s control.

The police encouraged members of the public to report suspected fraud promptly, noting that early reporting could assist investigators in tracing suspects and preserving relevant evidence.