Dubai Based Auto Dealer, Mukhtar Habib On The Run

United Arab Emirates based auto dealer, Mukhtar Habib is now on the run after fraudulently taking possession of a Lexus Jeep(RX 350) worth N11m from his former friend and colleague, Alamu Bamidele Kayode who is based in Owode Yewa, Ogun state, Nigeria.

Habib, an indigen of Kano state, but currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates allegedly committed the crime sometimes in December 2022, and he has since been at large.

The Message International gathered from a close and reliable source that the suspect cajoled Alamu Bamidele, CEO, ALBAK 23 AUTOS that he’s interested in the wonder on wheels after seeing it’s advert on his WhatsApp status which was granted being his colleague when they were both based in Cotonou doing legitimate business together as auto dealers, not knowing Habib who was hitherto a cool and dependable ally and business partner has turned otherwise.

“Mr Alamu Bamidele, CEO of ALBAK Auto is very devastated at the moment. I learnt he was swindled by one his former business partners who now lives in Dubai. As a matter of fact, the guy has gone with Alamu’s Lexus Jeep worth N11 m. He only deposited N1 m with the hope that he would pay the rest N10 m after receiving the car, but reverse was the case. Habib is no where to be found, but I learnt the case has been reported at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Police Command, and investigation is already ongoing. I am sure, and very soon, he will be apprehended and be made to face the music.”

Speaking with the victim, Alamu, the Ogun based car dealer expressed total disbelief and surprise that Habib, who was hitherto a reliable colleague could swindle him on account of their robust relationship when they’re both in Benin Republic before he relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He, however, added that he has reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and that very soon, Habib will be caught with the long arm of the law.

Narrating how he fell a victim of Habib’s antics on Thursday, January 19, 2023, Alamu said, ” I placed the advert on my WhatsApp status that I wanted to sell the Lexus Jeep for N11 m. That’s what Habib saw, and he called me that he’s interested. He told that it’s his brother who needed it. And I told him there’s no problem only if he can deposit some amount. Then, I will be sure of his seriousness. That same day, he sent N1m to my account. To me, I thought that was enough to convince me he’s genuine intention because we have known each other for long. We’re both based in Benin Republic before, and we have been doing same business together. I don’t have any reason to doubt him, nit knowing he had ulterior motive.

“So, around that December 2022, after paying N1m, he said I should bring the vehicle to Abuja. He gave me the address of where to meet which he claimed he’s the owner. The place is called Life Camp. We arrived Abuja on Friday, myself and the driver that drove the jeep because I brought another car as well. He gave us an appointment to keep our bags and also sleep. Habib slept in another apartment that night. That same day the supposed and prospective buyer was called by him and he took the car to confirm its fitness. We later called, and he said the jeep was okay, and that I would see the alert of N10 m the next day. I never knew it’s a scam until the following morning.

“In the morning, while waiting for the alert, Habib just took a nylon bag, he said he wanted to buy something in the next street. That’s it all. I never set my eyes on him till now. I had to go to where he slept, I didn’t see even a single pin there to show that the apartment was his as he claimed. It’s even a self contained. When, I waited for like three or four hours and he didn’t return, I started calling his libe. He later picked my call and said he’s coming and very soon, I will receive alert from his brother. Later, he didn’t pick my calls any more. He eventually barred my line and blocked me on Whatsapp. That’s when I realized I was in a trap.

“And I have been trying to reach one of our friends who is based in Abuja immediately I got there, but his line has not been going through. I later got him and explained what transpired between myself and Habib. He said he’s in the hospital receiving treatment all through the time I was trying to get him on phone. He said had it been he was informed in time, he wouldn’t have allowed him have anything doing with Habib because he’s not the same Habib he used to know when they’re in Cotonou. He said he’s now a fraudster.

“That’s why I had to report him at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Police Command. And I have been assured of thorough investigation into the matter, and that very soon, Habib will be arrested. I have confidence in the police that they are going to arrest him no matter how smart he may be. He can’t hide forever. No hiding place for any criminal of such.

“The latest about him now is that one of our friends said he saw him in Saudi Arabia this month performing lesser Hadj(Umurah). I am sure, he will soon be arrested. Anybody that has useful information about his whereabouts at the moment should please inform the police. Even, my further findings about him revealed he has a similar case with the EFCC, Kano, and I have seen the evidence which was part of the pictures sent to you. He’s now on the wanted list of the police. Very soon, he will be apprehended, and be made to the law.”

The Message International’s efforts to get the suspect’s side of the allegation proved futile as the calls put through to his mobile line were ignored.