Gerald Udechukwu, a policeman in the IGP Task Force on Petroleum, has refunded N10,450,000 to Chukwunonso Simeon, an Abuja resident who paid the sum to purchase a Toyota Hilux vehicle he later discovered to be defective.
In a move that brings to an end a six-month-long investigation into how Udechukwu sold a vehicle he knew had multiple Vehicle Inspection Numbers (VINs) and number plates, the policeman repaid the sum to a PoS merchant who then transferred it to Simeon on Wednesday.
“He refused to transfer the money directly to me,” Simeon told FIJ on Thursday.
“After he paid into the PoS merchant’s account, the person made a transfer of N10,350,000, then gave me N100,000 cash. They kept N50,000 for charges.”
FIJ first reported the matter on March 3 after the policeman refused to reclaim the car upon its return.
READ MORE: Policeman Gerald Udechukwu Refuses to Refund N10.5m to Abuja Car Buyer Who Found No VIN or ABS in Hilux
Simeon told FIJ at the time that he discovered the car’s defects a day after purchase, and, acting in accordance with provisions of Section 130 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), he called the policeman, but Udechukwu dismissed him.
After FIJ’s report, the Force Public Relations Office (FPRO) assigned Salisu Agaisa to investigate the matter.
Agaisa probed the car purchase for three months before passing his findings over to the IGP Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
This unit concluded that Udechukwu should make a refund, but he refused until the matter came to a head on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development, Simeon stated, “I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for your dedication and professionalism in resolving my issue and facilitating the recovery of my funds from CSP Udechukwu Gerald Chidozie. I am truly grateful for the efforts of the team at FIJ for their support and assistance during these difficult times.”
FIJ has reported on several cases involving policemen attempting to take advantage of Nigerian citizens while relying on their office. Most of these cases reach a resolution with the victims getting justice following FIJ’s reports.
The post After FIJ’s Story, Policeman Gerald Udechukwu Refunds N10.45m to Abuja Car Buyer appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.