By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Police Zone 7 has achieved a significant milestone in combating crime, busting a syndicate of criminals at Utako city center in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This group of criminals posed as agents, specializing in hiding under court processes to connive with other criminals.
Their primary objective was to obtain accommodation at little to no cost on government properties, thereby scamming innocent Nigerians who were house hunting. This scam has been ongoing for about five years, with the syndicate allegedly collecting money from unsuspecting victims.
The syndicate’s modus operandi involved using court processes to their advantage, assuring their victims that the case would linger in court with prolonged adjustments. This tactic was employed to frustrate the case and avoid being brought to justice.
The case in question involves a property sold to a company, Nabsa Nigeria Limited, by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) in 2021. Despite the passage of time, the case remains in court without a hearing date in sight.
The Nigerian Police have taken a significant step in apprehending the suspects involved in this scam. The police are currently holding several individuals in custody for their alleged involvement in the scam.
In addition to the scam, the police also discovered that the compound at No 1 Ajose Adeogun Utako, also known as Rahamaniya Estate, was being used as a hideout for kidnappers, drug sellers, and armed robbers. Illegal hotel services were also being operated in the compound without any proper signage or identification.
The police swooped into the compound after receiving several reports about its illicit activities. This raid is a testament to the police’s efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Nigerian Police Zone 7 has demonstrated its commitment to tackling crime and protecting citizens. This breakthrough serves as a warning to other criminal elements operating in the region.
The police are urging anyone with information about the syndicate or other criminal activities to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
