The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, July 31, 2025, arraigned one Chukwuka Samuel Onovo before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja. He faces a one-count charge of stealing N42 million.
According to the petition, Onovo was contracted by the complainant, Cajetan Alinnor, to sell four imported vehicles on his behalf in 2022: a 2009 Toyota Highlander SUV (chassis number JTEDS42A682067092), a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 (chassis number 55SWF4KB7FU008491), a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, and a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300.
Based on a mutual agreement, Onovo was required to notify Alinnor of any buyer offers for approval, ensure payments were made directly to the complainant, and receive commission from the sale proceeds. However, despite being handed all necessary documents, Onovo allegedly failed to sell the vehicles over one year and was evasive when asked about their whereabouts.
A discreet investigation reportedly revealed that Onovo had registered and sold all four vehicles without Alinnor’s consent. The proceeds were allegedly diverted towards the construction of a duplex located at 42, John Okorie Street, Off Wilmer Crescent, Olodi-Apapa, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA, Lagos State, where he now resides with his wife.
The charge reads: “You, Chukwuka Samuel Onovo, sometime between January and December 2023, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with dishonest intent, stole and converted to your own use the sum of N42,000,000.00 (Forty-two Million Naira), being proceeds from the sale of four vehicles belonging to Cajetan Alinnor, thereby committing an offence of stealing, contrary to and punishable under Sections 280 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
Onovo pleaded not guilty to the charge. In response, prosecuting counsel, A.A. Usman, requested a trial date and applied for the defendant’s remand in a Correctional Centre. Justice Dada granted the application and adjourned the matter to October 30, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
