Driver, 22, Arrested For Stealing N3.5m Mini Bus Given On Hire Purchase 

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 22-year old driver, Nwachukwu Henry, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly selling a mini bus valued at N3.5m, which he was given on hire purchase by Onukagu Pascal and bolting away after selling the vehicle at a give away price. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Ikunna Street, Liasu Road, Ikotun, Lagos State.

According to the Police, the driver and others now at large conspired and collected the bus under the false pretence of hire purchase but after he collected the bus, he sold it and bolted away with the money.

When the owner, Pascal waited for him in vain, he went to the Police at Ikotun Division and reported. The Police moved into action, eventually arrested and detained him at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.

During interrogation, he admitted and told the Police that he sold the bus and spent the money as such had no money to refund the owner.

The Police found him culpable and charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court for the alleged offence which attracts several years of imprisonment.

The charges read:

COUNT I:”That you, Nwachukwu Henry and others at large on the 29th January, 2025 at about 1328HRS at No 2 Ikunna Street, Liasu Road, Ikotun, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial district, did conspire, together to commit felony to wit stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 411 of criminal law of Lagos State 2015.”

COUNT II:”That you, Nwachukwu Henry on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magisterial district, did steal Mini bus popularly known as KOROPE valued N3.5 Million belonging to one Onukagu Pascal, by selling the mini bus given to you on hire purchase and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 168 c Lagos State criminal law 2015.

However, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Supol Benedict Aigbokhan, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Uthman, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned till 4th March, 2025, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.