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A Makurdi resident, Mr. Msuraga Victor, has publicly called for the return of ₦3.3 million he allegedly paid to a local car dealer identified as Shaayongo Mallex in a transaction that has since turned sour.
According to Victor, who spoke exclusively to Benue Info-pedia, he had agreed to purchase a vehicle valued at ₦5 million with the clear condition that full payment would only be made after he personally inspected and verified the car.
He explained that the dealer initially requested an advance payment of ₦3.1 million, which he transferred in good faith. However, the vehicle was never delivered, and repeated efforts to follow up reportedly met with evasion.
Victor further alleged that after persistent appeals, Mallex convinced him to send an additional ₦200,000, bringing the total amount paid to ₦3.3 million. Despite the extra payment, the car was not released, and no refund was forthcoming. He claims the dealer subsequently blocked him on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other communication platforms, cutting off all contact.
The incident has reignited public concern over the growing number of alleged online and phone-based scams involving car sales in Benue State. Many residents and observers have pointed to the increasing prevalence of fraudulent vehicle deals, where unsuspecting buyers are lured with attractive offers only to lose substantial sums without receiving the promised goods.
Victor’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large upfront payments in informal or unverified transactions. Commentators and members of the public have urged prospective buyers to exercise extreme caution, insist on physical inspection of vehicles before any payment, thoroughly verify the identity and credibility of dealers, and avoid transferring significant amounts without proper documentation or safeguards such as escrow services.
As of now, there has been no public response from the accused dealer, Shaayongongo Mallex, regarding the allegations. The matter has sparked calls for greater awareness and vigilance to protect citizens from similar incidents in the future.
This case underscores the broader challenge of online fraud in local markets, particularly in high-value transactions like automobile sales, where trust is often exploited in the absence of formal protections.
