The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has alerted the public to a scam involving fraudsters impersonating senior officials to sell forfeited vehicles at “cheap auction prices.” The criminals are specifically using the name of the Agency’s Secretary, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, in fake private letters and messages to target unsuspecting Nigerians. NDLEA said the offers are fraudulent and aimed solely at swindling people, adding that no official is authorized to privately sell or allocate seized assets.
The Agency clarified that all forfeited vehicles and assets from drug-related cases are disposed of only through public auctions conducted by government-approved auctioneers. Legitimate auctions are announced in national newspapers and on NDLEA’s verified platforms, in line with procurement laws. The public is advised to ignore private texts, letters, or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles from Barrister Haruna or any other official, and to report such contacts immediately.
NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and urged citizens to be vigilant. Anyone approached with the fake offers should report to the nearest NDLEA command or use the Agency’s official channels. The Agency warned Nigerians not to engage with the scammers or part with any money.
