The Lagos State Police Command’s Adeniji Adele Division has arrested a driver, Sani Auwal, 41, who allegedly stole his employer’s Toyota RAV4 valued at N7.5 million just a week after being hired.
The incident took place on January 13, 2024, on Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, Lagos Island.
According to the police, Auwal was sent on an errand by his employer, Mutiat Sabastion, but instead of returning, he picked up a friend, Jubril Sanusi, 29, and drove the vehicle to Abuja in search of a buyer. When Sabastion could not reach her driver for 24 hours, she reported the matter to the Adeniji Adele Police Division.
The breakthrough came when the potential buyer in Abuja became suspicious and called the number listed on the vehicle’s documents. Upon contacting Sabastion, the buyer learned that the car was not for sale and that the driver had absconded with it. The buyer then alerted the Abuja Police, who arrested Auwal and his accomplice.
The suspects were transferred back to Lagos by a police team led by Joshua Okpoma. They were subsequently charged before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on two counts of conspiracy and theft, offenses punishable under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N500,000 each, with two sureties in the same amount by Chief Magistrate M. Owunmi, who adjourned the case for further trial.
