The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has arrested a 24-year-old suspect over an alleged online fraud involving a fake vehicle purchase transaction valued at more than N3 million.

The Edo State Commandant of the corps, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this during a news conference in Benin City on Monday.

According to Akintayo, the case was reported on February 3 by a resident, Olanrewaju Nurudeen, of Aduwawa, Benin City, who attempted to purchase a 2010 Toyota Corolla through a United States-based online car auction platform.

He explained that the complainant unknowingly transferred N3,005,000 into an Access Bank account belonging to one Oluwafunmilayo Olubode after fraudsters allegedly compromised the online transaction process.

“After receiving the complaint, I directed the command’s investigative team to immediately track down those involved in the fraudulent act,” Akintayo said.

“The investigators obtained a court order to access the account details linked to the transaction.”

The investigation led to the arrest of one Momoh Rabiu from Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the commandant, the suspect confessed that his bank account was allegedly used by his friend, identified simply as “Destiny Money,” who remains at large, to receive the funds.

“The suspect confessed that his bank account was used by his friend, popularly known as ‘Destiny Money,’ who is currently at large, to receive the fraudulent funds,” Akintayo stated.

He added that the suspect allegedly admitted receiving N277,000 as his share of the proceeds.

Akintayo said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect while investigations continue.

“At the conclusion of investigation, the suspect will be charged to court,” he added.

The NSCDC boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cybercrime and other criminal activities in Edo State.