VDM Alleges N96m Customs Auction Fraud, Demands Refund

Social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) has alleged that a Nigerian businessman was defrauded of N96 million after individuals claiming to be officials of the Nigeria Customs Service offered to auction eight containers containing vehicles.

According to VDM, the businessman was approached by individuals who claimed that the containers had been seized by Customs and were available for auction at N12 million per container.

He said the eight containers were valued at a total payment of N96 million, adding that the businessman initially agreed to the deal because it was presented as an official Customs auction and therefore appeared legitimate.

VDM said the businessman, however, insisted that payment should not be made privately and requested that the transaction be taken to the Customs office for confirmation.

He alleged that the individuals subsequently travelled with the businessman to Abuja, where they went to the Customs headquarters in Maitama.

According to him, the businessman became convinced that the transaction was genuine after he was taken to the office of an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, who allegedly confirmed that the containers were to be auctioned.

VDM further alleged that the ACG directed the officers involved to minute the transaction to his office, after which the businessman proceeded with the payment.

He claimed that the money was subsequently paid into an account allegedly linked to an individual identified as Fawole Abiola Aremu.

However, VDM alleged that after the payment was made, the businessman did not receive the containers and has continued to wait for the transaction to be fulfilled.

The influencer said the businessman has demanded the return of the N96 million and has threatened to expose the individuals involved if the money is not refunded.

VDM also alleged that the businessman had approached the court over the matter but claimed that the case had not produced the desired outcome.

He further made allegations concerning the relationship between the judge handling the matter and the wife of the Customs official involved. Those claims have not been independently established.

VDM called on the Assistant Comptroller-General to refund the money, warning that he would continue to pursue the matter publicly and expose those he accused of being involved.

He also claimed that the Customs official is expected to retire in January and warned that he would continue to demand that the full N96 million be recovered.