SCAM ALERT: NDLEA warns Nigerians against fake vehicle auction offers using officials’ names

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians against a fraudulent scheme in which scammers are impersonating senior officials of the agency to offer fake vehicle auction deals.

In a statement on Friday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the fraudsters have been using the name of Shadrach Haruna, the agency’s secretary, to send fake letters and messages offering forfeited vehicles for sale at discounted prices.

The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” the statement reads.

“No official of the Agency has the mandate to privately offer, allocate, or sell forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

“Vehicles and other assets forfeited as proceeds of drug crimes are strictly auctioned through public processes managed by appointed, government-registered auctioneers.”

Babafemi said any legitimate auction conducted by the agency would be publicly announced through national newspapers and the NDLEA’s official communication channels in accordance with legal and public procurement procedures.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any private letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to originate from Haruna or any other NDLEA official offering vehicles or other seized assets for sale.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations,” Babafemi said.

Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or via our official communication channels.”