Police in the Ikoyi division of Lagos State have arrested a mechanic, Friday Onuh Idoko, for allegedly stealing a customer’s Toyota car from his workshop in Falomo, Ikoyi. The arrest, which took place in Benue State, was the result of intelligence gathering and tracking efforts by the police.
The incident began on April 2, 2024, when Gabriel Tsenzume entrusted his Toyota car, with registration number APP 305 EG, to Idoko for repairs. Instead of returning the repaired vehicle, Idoko allegedly drove it to Benue State in search of a buyer.
When Tsenzume was unable to reach the mechanic after several days, he reported the matter to CSP Kehinde Adedara, the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi. Adedara promptly directed his team to locate and apprehend the fugitive mechanic.
Through days of diligent intelligence gathering, the police tracked Idoko to Benue State, where he was arrested and brought back to Lagos along with the stolen car. Following an investigation led by Inspector Funmilayo Odukoya, Idoko, a native of Gbadebo LGA in Benue State, was charged at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island with two counts of stealing.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Ajaga Agboko informed the court that the defendant committed the offense on April 2, 2024, at his workshop on Falomo Road, Ikoyi. Agboko explained that Idoko betrayed the trust placed in him by Tsenzume, who had entrusted his car to the mechanic for repairs.
Idoko allegedly took the car to Benue State to sell it, but was tracked and apprehended with the stolen vehicle. The charges against Idoko are punishable under sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Idoko pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate T.A. Idowu granted him bail and adjourned the case for mention. Until he meets his bail conditions, Idoko will be detained at the Ikoyi correctional facility.
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