EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N42m Theft in Lagos

Court

By JUMOKE SANNI

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , on Thursday, July 31, 2025, arraigned one Chukwuka Onovo on a one-count charge bordering on stealing to the tune of N42m before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The petitioner alleged that he engaged the services of Onovo, who represented himself as an auto dealer, to sell, on his behalf, four vehicles he imported into the country in 2022: a 2009 Toyota Highlander SUV (chassis number JTEDS42A682067092); a 2015 Mercedes‑Benz C 300 (chassis number 55SWF4KB7FU008491); a 2016 Mercedes‑Benz C 300; and a 2010 Mercedes‑Benz C 300.

It was also alleged that Onovo, based on a shared agreement, was supposed to bring to the attention of the petitioner any offer from a potential buyer for him to approve the sale of any car according to the prevailing market rate.

According to the petitioner, the arrangement entailed that all payments would be made directly to him to enable him advance Onovo his due commission from the sale.

Onovo, however, allegedly could not dispose of the cars a year after they were handed over to him with all necessary documents and was also evasive regarding all inquiries about the location of the cars.

A discreet investigation conducted by the petitioner allegedly revealed that Onovo had registered and sold all the vehicles and also diverted the proceeds to the development/construction of a duplex at 42, John Okorie Street, Off Wilmer Crescent, Olodi-Apapa, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA Lagos State, where he now lives with his wife.