Driver docked for allegedly faking own kidnap, stealing ₦23m truck

Oct. 14, 2025

Chiwendu Ndieli, 41, on Tuesday, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly faking his own kidnap and stealing a truck valued at ₦23 million, belonging to his employer.

Ndieli, a driver, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of false pretense (relating to kidnapping) and stealing to which he pleaded not guilty.

The defendant allegedly committed the offences on Sept. 16, at 7:00 a.m., at Professional Shipping and Logistics Limited, located at No. 2 Adeola Ajayi Crescent, Mafoluku, Oshodi.

The Prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, alleged that the defendant faked his own kidnap with intent to obtain money from his employer, knowing the claim to be false, and also stole a Mack truck, marked T5300LA, valued at ₦23 million, property of the company.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences contravened Section 5 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law of Lagos State, 2017, and Sections 282 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 5 of the kidnapping prohibition law stipulates 14 years imprisonment for a person, who covertly puts himself forward to be kidnapped or abducted by another for the purpose of extracting money or any ransom.

The Magistrate, Mr. L. A. Owolabi granted the defendant ₦1.5 million bail with two sureties in like sum, whose addresses must be verified.

He subsequently adjourned the case until Dec. 1, for hearing. (NAN)