By Becky Usman
Meshach Isinugo, a 25-year-old suspect known as “Big Shark,” who was arrested for allegedly stealing a Mercedes Benz, has denied the accusation, stating that he only drove the car from Abuja to Delta State without permission.
The car theft incident was reported by car dealer Mohammed Manga, who claimed that a customer named Henry disappeared with a Mercedes Benz GLB 250 vehicle worth over N55 million during a test drive in Abuja.
Big Shark explained that he decided to drive the car when the dealer, who was sitting in the passenger seat during the test drive, did not return promptly after stepping out to withdraw cash for fuel at a filling station, as reported by Nigerian Tribune.
The Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass, confirmed that the command received a complaint from another car dealer in Abuja about the stolen vehicle, a 2021 model Mercedes Benz, during a test drive conducted by the suspect on June 30. The car was later found abandoned in a bush in Ughelli, Delta State.
In his defense, Big Shark provided some background information, stating that it was a childhood nickname he grew up with. He claimed to be involved in foreign exchange and bureau de change business, dividing his time between Nigeria and Istanbul, Turkey. He stated that he found the car’s owner’s contact on an online platform and arranged to inspect the vehicle.
According to Big Shark’s account, he made an offer to purchase the car but was asked to test-drive it to understand its value. The owner sat in the passenger seat during the drive. When they stopped at a filling station, the owner went to buy fuel but did not return for three hours. Big Shark attempted to contact him but couldn’t reach him. Eventually, he drove the car to Delta for business.
Upon seeing his picture posted online, accusing him of car theft, Big Shark became upset and switched off his known phone line. He claimed that his uncle confronted him about the car and assaulted him, prompting him to flee. He was eventually arrested in Benin, Edo State.
The police have transferred the suspect to Abuja for further investigation into the alleged car theft.