The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned members of the public against fraudulent auction offers being circulated by scammers impersonating senior officials of the Agency to deceive unsuspecting victims.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, criminal elements have been using the name of the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to issue fake letters, text messages and other communications offering purported forfeited vehicles for sale at discounted prices.
The Agency described the offers as a complete scam, stressing that they are part of a calculated scheme aimed at defrauding members of the public of their hard-earned money.
The NDLEA clarified that no official of the Agency has the authority to privately allocate, offer or sell forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals. It explained that all assets forfeited as proceeds of drug-related crimes are disposed of strictly through public auction processes conducted by duly appointed government-registered auctioneers.
The statement noted that any legitimate auction exercise is always widely publicised in national newspapers and on the Agency’s official communication platforms, in accordance with established legal and public procurement procedures.
The Agency urged members of the public to disregard and report any private letters, text messages or social media offers claiming to originate from Barrister Shadrach Haruna or any other NDLEA official regarding the sale of forfeited assets.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NDLEA advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to the activities of fraudsters. The Agency also encouraged anyone approached with such fraudulent offers to report the incident immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through its official communication channels.
