The Lagos State Command has recovered a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE 43 worth N52m belonging to a 32-year-old businesswoman, Nneka Chiemelu.
The vehicle was reportedly stolen from Chiemelu’s apartment in Lekki Phase 1, by a 28-year-old man, Damilola Areje, whose father is a police inspector.
Police sources confirmed to our correspondent that the stolen car was found in Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday, July 30, 2022, leading to the arrest of Areje.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development.
He said, “It is true that the car has been recovered. However, we’ll release the car to the owner after investigation is concluded.”
Our correspondent had reported that Areje absconded with Chiemelu’s car and $700 worth of Bitcoin around 04.05pm on Friday, July 22, 2022.
The victim had entrusted her car key to Areje, an acquaintance who had requested to charge his mobile phone in the car, while she attended to clients.
Reacting to the recovery of the car, Chiemelu said she had a sound sleep after the matter was published.
She also noted that the suspect’s mother had alleged that her son travelled to Kenya less than 24 hours after he drove the car out of her apartment.
She said, “My car was retrieved with the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force after PUNCH’s story. The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE 43, worth N52 million was tracked and found in a compound in Akure, Ondo State, where the perpetrator, Damilola was hiding.
“Before my interview with The PUNCH, I had reported the theft to the police, and also posted on my Instagram handle last week that my car was stolen by Damilola Areje whose father is a policeman.”
Chiemelu added that though the suspect was her boyfriend, they were no longer in a relationship as of when he stole her car.
“However, I am yet to get my $700 from Damilola, and I hope that the police and the press would help make sure that he returns my money.” she said.
