Dangote Cement’s Purported Price Slash: Police Arrest Suspect for Allegedly Scamming Hundreds of People
Following an announcement on the slash of the price of Dangote Cement which triggered many buyers to patronize the company, the Nigerian police have arrested a man, identified as Benjamin Ezeukwefor, who allegedly masterminded the scam and defrauded several people.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the arrest in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday, noting that its operatives arrested Ezeukwe on October 19 at Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers.
According to the statement, the arrest followed weeks of intensive investigation by officers and men of “Area A’’ police command in Lagos State, adding that the police found many incriminating items in the suspect’s possession when he was arrested.
He explained that investigation so far revealed that the suspect had perpetrated several other similar scams adding that the suspect had since been arraigned.
The statement reads in part; “The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Benjamin Ezeukwe, aged 28, for masterminding and fleecing hundreds of innocent Nigerians in an elaborate cement-price-slash scam.
“Benjamin was arrested on October 19, 2023, in the Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State following weeks of intensive investigation by officers of Area A Command of the State Command.
“Found in his possession were one Tecno phone, one iPhone, three SIM cards including that of 08039691980 which he used for the scam, and a Toyota Avalon, which investigation revealed to be a proceed of his crime.
“The suspect had in September 2023 created a bogus but convincing online advert purportedly by Dangote Cement, claiming a massive price slash. Numerous unsuspecting customers fell prey to the scam, losing millions of Naira to the suspect.
“Investigation has so far revealed that the suspect had perpetrated several other similar scams. The suspect has since been arraigned,” the statement added.
Customers of Dangote Cement had been in October cautioned to be very careful of some scammers trying to defraud them of their funds, claiming that the company was running a sales promo.
The management of Dangote Cement had denied the reports that the price of its products had been reduced, describing the reports as false.
In a statement issued by the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, it was disclosed that the cement firm “has formally notified the law enforcement agents to track down, name, and shame the perpetrators of this devious and deceptive information.”
Mr Chiejina appealed to Dangote Cement’s customers and other stakeholders to continue patronizing the high-quality cement brand and be careful of scammers, who are bent on defrauding them of their funds.
Sahara reporters