Over 36 Exotic cars from Canada that were stolen and traced to Nigeria have been found in different auto shops for sale and auto vendors in Festac town, Amuwo-Odofin LGA were not left out.
Where the cars were found ?
According to the EFCC, asides from Festac town, the vehicles were recovered from various auto shops such as Lekki-Ajah; Ojodu-Berger; Ikeja; Magodo and Ikota-Lekki areas of Lagos state.
The 36 cars that has so far been recovered were among the reported 350 cars stolen from Canada into Nigeria and were on display at various auto shops. This information came as a result of intelligence by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
What Really Happened ?
An EFCC investigator, Olufemi Olukini, in an affidavit filed in support of the suit said
“Sometime in April 2022, during an official meeting held at 7A Okoti-Eboh Street, Ikoyi Lagos between officials of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and EFCC officials, RCMP officials passed credible intelligence to the Commission which alleged that over 350 vehicles which were comprehensively listed out on an excel sheet with their respective vehicle identification Number were stolen from Canada and shipped to Nigeria.
“That these vehicles have been sold and/or being sold on an online website by some online vendors/agents while others are displayed for sale at various car stands across the country.
“That our team commenced preliminary investigation into the case by identifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each of the said stolen vehicle and subjecting them to analysis using open source intelligence (OSINT). And that preliminary results from the analysis revealed the vehicles were largely located across Lagos State metropolis particularly Lekki at different Car stands and places
“Surveillance was thereafter carried out on the identified locations followed by sting operations which led to the recovery of the vehicles.
“The VIN of the vehicles corresponds with those of the stolen vehicles contained in the Intelligence received from RCMP and no person has come forward to claim ownership of these vehicles.
“Investigation carried out revealed that substantial number of the motor vehicles described aforesaid were stolen from Canada and shipped to Nigeria between the years 2019-2021.
“That the cars were parked in residential driveways and company car lots in Canada from where they were stolen. And that various Canadian Insurance Companies which insured the vehicles indemnified the car owners and are pursuing criminal complainant lodged in Canada with the RCMP Liaison Officer attached to the Canadian Deputy High Commission, Nigeria in respect to the theft of the vehicles.
The matter was taken to court and on November 29, 2023, the court made an order for the interim forfeiture of the cars, after listening to the EFCC lawyer, who moved the application the same.
Some Of the Stolen Vehicles are ….
The stolen vehicles include: a 2017 Model Toyota Rav 4 Ash colour; 2019 Toyota Tacoma Model, silver colour; 2019 Lexus RX 350 Grey Colour, Lexus RX350 Black Colour; 2019 Model 5 FORD FI50 Black Colour; 2018 Model Honda CRV black colour; 2020 Toyota Tacoma black colour; Dodge Black Colour; Land Rover and 2020 Lexus RX 350 Jeep.
Others are a 2016 Toyota 4Runner, black colour; Range Rover, Maroon black; Lexus 460 Saloon black colour; Ford F150 2018 Model, Grey Colour; 2019 Lexus RX 350, Gold colour; 2020 Lexus RX 350, White Colour; 2021 Lexus RX 350 Sport, grey colour; Honda Civic Touring, red colour; Honda Pilot Suv, grey colour; 2020 Range Rover Suv, grey colour; Toyota 4Runner SUV, Ash Colour; Toyota Highlander, Grey Colour and 2018 Toyota Tacoma, Black colour.
The list also includes; Toyota 4Runner white colour; Lexus RX 350 Jeep, white colour; Lexus RX 350 Jeep White colour; 2016 Toyota 4runner, ash Colour; 2019 Toyota Tacoma, gray Colour; 2017 Lexus RX 350 Jeep, white Colour; 2018 Toyota Highlander Jeep black colour; 2018 Honda CRV, Ash Colour; 2006 Toyota Yaris, black colour; 2008 Honda Accord, black colour; 2005 Toyota Camry, Gold colour and 2016 Toyota Corolla, Black colour.
As well as three unclaimed vehicles; Acura MDX Saloon Car, gray colour; 2018 FORD FISO Model, black colour and Ford Model F150, Pickup Ass, white Colour
Which Auto Shops were involved ?
Some of the auto shops involved in the case were Wilmon Autos Nigeria Limited; Ikeoyi Enterprises; Ichie Autos; Bounce Autos; Assured Motors Emeko Auto; CNC Auto; Green Hill Auto; First Core Auto; Samuel Motors; Unique Motors; Nice and Rich Auto; Overall Properties; GIDI Auto and Chris Jane Auto Nigeria Limited who were respondents in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/2051/2023.
After the initial court case, EFCC was granted the order to advertise the orders in a national newspaper for any interested persons or parties to appear before the court to show cause why the cars should not be finally forfeited.
On 30th January, 2024, EFCC made publication on page 19 of The Punch newspaper and the Commission’s website. Since then, no person, body corporate or financial institution has come forward to show cause why the property should not be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria or lay claim to the seized vehicles..
Courts Final Verdict ?
Justice Dipeolu after listening to the EFCC lawyer and perusing through the processes, acceded to the request of the anti-graft agency and ordered final forfeiture of the 36 cars.
The judge made the final forfeiture order after granting an application filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s counsel A. B. Abdul-Rasheed.