Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a Nigerian-American named Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000 (about ₦434.88 million), reports thegazellenews.com.
The commission, which confirmed the arrest of the suspect through its official X handle on Friday, 19 June, said Adams, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, is being investigated for alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence.
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000 (approximately ₦434.88 million),” the statement said.
According to to the anti-sleaze agency, preliminary investigations showed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a syndicate based in the United States that defrauds Nigerians under the guise of importing vehicles.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a syndicate based in the United States that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of purchasing and importing vehicles from the United States for them,” the agency said, just as it also added that Adams allegedly advertised a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG while abroad, promising to purchase and ship the vehicle to buyers in Nigeria.
“Investigations further revealed that, while residing in the United States, Adams allegedly advertised and circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers in Nigeria, promising to purchase and ship the luxury vehicle to them,” the statement said.
It stated that two victims allegedly paid a combined sum of $320,000 for the vehicle, with one victim reportedly paying $145,000 through an intermediary, while another allegedly paid $175,000.
“Findings revealed that two victims allegedly paid a total sum of $320,000 (over ₦434.88 million) for the vehicle,” the commission said.
While disclosing that the suspect had a prior criminal record in the United States relating to the alleged illegal acquisition of vehicles, EFCC added that Adams was arrested upon his return to Nigeria by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate and will be arraigned after investigations are concluded.
TV Presenter Resigns for Wrongly Announcing Messi’s Father’s Death
Florencia Peña, popular Argentine television presenter has resigned following a major on-air blunder in which she announced the death of Jorge Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi, reports L’Equipe on Friday, 19 June, 2026.
According to the medium, the incident occurred during the programme “El Show del Verano” on Luzu TV. Peña was reportedly fed the false information through her earpiece by the production team.
The erroneous announcement quickly spread before it was debunked by members of the Messi family.
Jorge Messi is alive and has been reported to be recovering from health issues.
The channel issued a statement immediately after condemning the lapse, describing the broadcast of sensitive information without proper verification as “inacceptable.”
Luzu TV said it had decided to dismiss those responsible for the error, while Peña chose to step down. “We regret deeply what happened on air,” the station stated.
Peña later took to social media to apologise to the Messi family, admitting she was deeply ashamed for causing them pain, just as she revealed that she had personally contacted Lionel Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, In an emotional appearance on another programme, “Sálvese Quien Pueda,” the visibly distraught presenter explained the circumstances leading to her resignation.
The matter drew strong reactions in Argentina, including from President Javier Milei, who criticised the journalist harshly on social media, calling her a “commère mesquine” (petty gossip) and stating that an attack on Messi is an attack on everyone.
Peña’s resignation marks the end of what has been described as a career-damaging error, though her prompt apology and direct outreach to the Messi family have been acknowledged by some as responsible steps.
