23-Year-Old Driver Charged Over Alleged Theft of N40m SUV

Kehinde Adeleye

A 23-year-old driver, Monday Agada, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged theft and unlawful conversion of a Toyota Prado SUV valued at N40 million belonging to his employers.

Agada was arraigned before Magistrate O. Kusanu on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and unlawful conversion.

According to the charge sheet, the offences contravene Sections 97, 280, 287 and 434 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The prosecution alleged that Agada conspired with a man identified as Habeeb, whose address is unknown and who is currently at large, to steal the vehicle.

The police alleged that on June 5, 2026, Agada, while working as a driver for Mr Lemboye Sheriff and Mrs Esohe Urhoghide, drove away their black Toyota Prado with registration number BDG 173 EC without their consent.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant intended to sell the vehicle at Jankara Market.

Prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, told the court that the matter had been investigated and that legal advice had been obtained from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Following the arraignment, Magistrate Kusanu granted the defendant bail with two sureties.

The court ordered that the sureties must provide evidence of their means of livelihood and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The defendant was ordered to be remanded at the Correctional Centre in Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending the perfection of his bail conditions and further proceedings.

Meanwhile, the police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the second suspect, Habeeb, who remains at large.

The Command also advised vehicle owners and employers to conduct proper background checks on drivers and domestic staff and consider installing tracking devices on vehicles as additional security measures.

Agada is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.