The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended Benjamin Ezeukwe, 28, the alleged mastermind behind an intricate scam that targeted unsuspecting Nigerians in a counterfeit Dangote Cement price slash.
The arrest, confirmed by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, comes after weeks of relentless investigation by officers of the “Area A” police command.
Ezeukwe was apprehended on October 19, 2023, in the Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Upon his arrest, law enforcement found incriminating items in his possession, including a Tecno phone, an iPhone, three SIM cards – one of which, bearing the number 08039691980, was used for the scam – and a Toyota Avalon believed to be procured through illicit means.
The suspect’s modus operandi involved creating a deceptive online advert in September 2023, purportedly on behalf of Dangote Cement, announcing a massive price reduction.
Numerous unsuspecting customers fell victim to the scam, losing millions of Naira. Investigations have unveiled that Ezeukwe had orchestrated several similar scams.
Dangote Cement, quick to distance itself from the fraudulent activities, had cautioned customers in October to be wary of scammers falsely claiming the company was running a sales promo.
Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina, emphasized that the company had formally alerted law enforcement to track down and expose the perpetrators.
Ezeukwe has since been arraigned, facing charges related to the elaborate scheme that exploited the trust of innocent Nigerians.
The police statement underscores the commitment to unraveling such scams and bringing those responsible to justice.
Dangote Cement’s management encourages customers to remain vigilant, reassuring them of the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and integrity in its operations.
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