Man Denies Car Theft, Claims He Drove Stolen Mercedes Benz SUV To Delta State Without Owner’s Knowledge

Meshach Isinugo, a 25-year-old man also known as “Big Shark,” has denied being a car thief after allegedly absconding with a Mercedes Benz SUV worth N55 million during a test drive in Abuja.

Instead, he claims that he drove the car to Delta State without the owner’s knowledge.

The Delta State Police Command arrested Meshach in Benin City, Edo State, and recovered the stolen car from a bush along Oteri Road in Ughelli North…CONTINUE READING

According to DSP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson of the command, the suspect is known for posing as an intending buyer while specializing in stealing cars.

Meshach explained that during the test drive, the dealer, who was in the passenger seat, went to get cash for fuel at a filling station but did not return quickly.

Feeling frustrated, he decided to use the car to quickly reach Delta State. However, the car dealer later posted his picture on the internet, accusing him of car theft and threatening police action.

The suspect, engaged in foreign exchange and bureau de change business, stated that he got the owner’s contact from an online platform where the car was listed for sale.

He had offered N30 million for the car, and the owner allowed him to test-drive it in Abuja.

When the dealer did not return after three hours, Meshach drove the car to his residence around 8 pm. However, he claimed that his phone went flat, and he couldn’t reach the dealer, who had allegedly switched off his phone.

On July 6, the police tracked and arrested Meshach for car theft in Benin City.

He asserted that he did not steal the car but acknowledges that he used it without permission. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.