NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Offers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned Nigerians against a fraudulent scheme in which criminals are impersonating senior officials of the agency to promote fake auction sales of forfeited vehicles and other seized assets.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA disclosed that fraudsters have been using the name of the agency’s Secretary, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate forged letters and messages claiming that seized vehicles are available for purchase at heavily discounted prices.
The agency described the offers as a deliberate scam designed to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and steal their money. It stressed that no NDLEA official has the authority to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.
According to the NDLEA, all vehicles and assets forfeited through court orders are disposed of only through transparent public auction processes conducted by government-approved and registered auctioneers in accordance with extant laws and public procurement regulations. The agency added that every legitimate auction is publicly advertised in national newspapers and announced through its official communication channels.
The anti-drug agency urged Nigerians to ignore any private letters, emails, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles for sale on behalf of Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official. It also advised anyone approached with such fraudulent offers to immediately report the incident to the nearest NDLEA command or through the agency’s official communication channels.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NDLEA assured the public that it would continue to expose criminal activities and protect Nigerians from fraudsters exploiting the agency’s name for personal gain.
