Three Men Arraigned Over Alleged N26.8m Toyota RAV4 Theft At Amen Estate

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

Three suspects have been brought before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing a Toyota RAV4 worth N26.8 million belonging to an employee of China Harbour Engineering Company.

The legal enforcement process commenced following a detailed operation conducted by the Command Special Squad 2, operating from the State Headquarters in Ikeja. Under the supervision of the Police leadership, officers tracked the activities surrounding a major automotive theft that occurred in the outer regions of the state. The specialized unit gathered critical evidence and compiled the official case file to initiate formal judicial proceedings against the individuals involved.

According to the official Police charge sheet, the primary incident took place on April 18, 2026, at approximately 6:10 PM. The scene of the alleged crime was identified as the highbrow Amen Estate located in the Eleko area within the Lagos Magisterial District. Investigators established that the timing of the operation coincided with evening traffic hours when movement within the estate vicinity was active.

The prosecution presented three distinct counts against the defendants, identifying them as Victor Arisigwe, John Chukwu, and Solomon Esele. The suspects, who are young adult males aged 25 and 26 years old, were processed by court officials before the session commenced. The court document also noted that other collaborators linked to the operation currently remain at large as Police search efforts continue.

In the first count of the charge sheet, the Police alleged that the three defendants intentionally conspired among themselves to commit a felony. The specific unlawful agreement involved an organized plan to execute a high-value theft within the secure residential perimeter. This dynamic of conspiracy constitutes a distinct offence that is strictly punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The second count of the charge sheet detailed the specific object of the crime, which was a black Toyota RAV4 SUV. The luxury vehicle was officially valued by authorities at twenty-six million eight hundred thousand Naira (N26,800,000.00). The document verified that the automobile belonged directly to Mr. Wu Di, an official associated with China Harbour Engineering Company.

The prosecution affirmed that the unauthorized removal of the vehicle violated established regional statutory provisions designed to protect private property. The action is listed as a direct violation of Section 280 of the state legal code. Consequently, the offense carries severe penalties that remain punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The third count addressed the public safety disruption that allegedly occurred during the commission of the principal offence in Eleko. The Police stated that the defendants assembled in an aggressive and disorderly manner that caused immediate chaos within the community. This behaviour disrupted local commerce and resident movement, violating public order regulations maintained by regional enforcement agencies.

The state legal department noted that this disorderly gathering constituted a breach of public peace within Eleko and its immediate environs. The charge sheet classified the disruptive assembly as an illegal act punishable under Section 44 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. This count highlights the state’s focus on maintaining environmental stability alongside addressing property crimes.

The formal court paperwork was prepared and authenticated by the designated Officer in Charge, ASP Roland Oderinde. As a key representative of Command Special Squad 2, the officer ensured that all procedural details met required legal standards. The administrative sections of the document remained open for the presiding magistrate to log the official plea, findings, and bail conditions.

During the arraignment session, the court clerk read out the three counts to the defendants to secure their formal response.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, requested a clear trial date to allow the state to present physical exhibits and witness testimonies.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted bail to the defendants with sureties.

The defendants were remanded in custody at the Correctional Center in Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.

Legal observers monitoring the case confirm that defendants remain under the protective legal coverage of the constitution, maintaining an absolute presumption of innocence until a final judgment is delivered.