NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudsters impersonating its top officials to scam unsuspecting members of the public with fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the agency disclosed that criminal elements have been circulating fraudulent letters and messages, particularly using the name of the NDLEA Secretary, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to lure victims with offers to purchase allegedly forfeited vehicles at discounted prices.

The agency described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at defrauding individuals of their money, stressing that no NDLEA official is authorized to privately sell, allocate or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets.

According to the statement, all vehicles and assets forfeited as proceeds of drug-related crimes are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers.

The agency explained that legitimate auction exercises are always publicly announced through national newspapers and the NDLEA’s official communication channels in accordance with legal and public procurement procedures.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” the statement read.

The Agency urged members of the public to disregard any private letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to originate from Barrister Shadrach Haruna or any other official of the agency offering forfeited vehicles for sale.

It also advised anyone approached with such offers to report the matter immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through the agency’s official communication channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the agency assured Nigerians that all disposal of forfeited assets would continue to follow due process and warned the public not to fall victim to the activities of fraudsters.