Chima Edmund says a suspected car thief crashed a N130m Toyota Tundra into a canal before police released him.
A Lagos car dealer has accused the Lagos State Police Command of releasing a man suspected of attempting to steal a luxury vehicle from a showroom in the Lekki area. The incident occurred on Monday at Mayor and Sheiks Autos in Victoria Garden City, Lagos State, capturing widespread public attention.
Chima Edmund, the founder of the dealership, stated that the suspect posed as a prospective buyer before driving away with a 2025 Toyota Tundra pickup valued at approximately N130m. The suspect eventually crashed the vehicle into a canal in Ajiran during a chaotic escape attempt.
Edmund reported suffering heavy financial damages totaling around N40m for vehicle repairs, property destruction, and medical expenses, according to information published by NIGERIA.
How the Lekki showroom incident unfolded
According to Edmund, the suspect arrived at the dealership around 4pm carrying a bag and asked to inspect the unsold 2025 Toyota Tundra pickup. A junior staff member handed over the key under the impression that the visitor only wanted to check the engine.
The suspect immediately engaged the gear and drove away as doors locked automatically. He maneuvered through a residential estate in Ajah, damaged a barricade, and headed toward Chevron before ending up trapped in Ajiran, where he drove the pickup into a canal.
Police response and psychiatric claims
Edmund initially reported the case at the Ajah Police Division before investigators transferred it to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba. He soon grew concerned after discovering that the suspect had been released on bail to his family members from Agbor, Delta State.
Police authorities defended the decision by stating that the suspect was a certified psychiatric patient. SP Abimbola Adebisi, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, noted that the dealer submitted a withdrawal letter after medical certifications were established.
Financial losses and dealer security concerns
Edmund stated that he personally covered the costs of repairing the damaged estate barricade, treating injured bystanders, and paying for the suspect's medical care and feeding. He expressed frustration at bearing these heavy losses alone without seeing justice served.
With nearly three decades in the automobile trade since 1996, Edmund described the event as unprecedented. He explained that tracking devices are rarely installed on brand-new unsold vehicles due to wiring concerns and potential buyer hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicle was involved in the Lagos showroom incident?
A brand new 2025 Toyota Tundra pickup valued at approximately N130m was taken from Mayor and Sheiks Autos in Victoria Garden City, Lagos.
How much did the dealer lose in damages?
Car dealer Chima Edmund estimated his financial losses at around N40m, covering vehicle repairs, damaged barricades, and medical expenses.
Why was the suspect released by the police?
According to the Lagos State Police Command, the suspect was certified as a psychiatric patient by recognized government hospitals and competent courts, leading the complainant to submit a withdrawal letter.
Where did the vehicle crash happen?
After driving through Lekki, Ajah, and Chevron, the suspect drove the Toyota Tundra into a canal in the Ajiran area when he ran out of accessible road.
