CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 23-year-old driver, Monday Agada, was on Monday arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ikeja, Lagos, over allegations of conspiracy and stealing a Toyota Prado SUV valued at N40 million belonging to his employers.
The defendant was brought before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu on a three-count charge of conspiracy, theft, and unlawful conversion.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the offences were contrary to Sections 97, 280, 287 and 434 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Police alleged that the incident occurred on June 26, 2026, at about 2:30pm at Lekki, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The prosecution also alleged that on June 5, 2026, the defendant stole the black Toyota Prado SUV with registration number BDG 173 EC.
The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, told the court that the defendant allegedly conspired with one Habeeb, whose address is yet to be identified and who is currently at large, to commit the felony.
SP Ademigbuji said the vehicle was the property of Mr. Lemboye Sheriff and Mrs. Esohe Urhoghide. He alleged that while serving as their driver, the defendant unlawfully drove away with the jeep with the intent to sell it at Jankara Market without the consent of the owners.
The prosecutor informed the court that the matter had been investigated and that legal advice had been received from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.
The Magistrate ordered that he be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center in Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending further proceedings.
On bail, Magistrate Kusanu granted bail to the defendant with two sureties. The Magistrate ruled that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and present proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
In a brief comment after proceedings, legal observers noted that Sections 280 and 287 of the Lagos Criminal Law deal specifically with stealing and prescribe stiff penalties upon conviction. They added that the law also provides for prosecution of persons who unlawfully convert property entrusted to them.
The Lagos State Police Command has in recent months intensified efforts to curb vehicle theft and related offences. Officers of the Command Smart Cloud, State Headquarters, Ikeja, who handled the case, said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the second suspect who is currently at large.
The Police also advised residents and employers to carry out proper background checks on domestic staff and drivers, and to install tracking devices on vehicles as additional security measures.
Human rights and legal advocacy groups in Lagos have continued to call for swift prosecution of property-related crimes. They stress that timely trials serve as a deterrent and help restore public confidence in the justice system.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.
The defendant remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Center pending the perfection of his bail conditions and the next court date.