Pandemonium broke out along the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Tuesday after a suspect posing as a prospective car buyer allegedly stole a Toyota pickup truck from a car lot in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, before knocking down several commuters during a wild escape bid.
The suspect, whose identity is yet to be disclosed by the authorities, was eventually trapped and apprehended in the Ajiran area of Agungi after a hot chase involving angry eyewitnesses and local security operatives.
Newslife via a viral video gathered that the suspect had entered the auto dealership in VGC under the guise of inspecting vehicles for purchase. After inspecting the Toyota truck, he requested a brief test drive.
Trouble, however, started after the car salesman handed over the keys to the vehicle. The suspect was said to have zoom off from the lot, speeding out of the estate before the dealer could board or raise an alarm.
Realising that the vehicle had been stolen, eyewitnesses and commercial motorcyclists gave the fleeing suspect a hot chase towards the Jakande axis.
In a desperate bid to evade arrest, the suspect drove recklessly along the busy corridor, ramming into pedestrians, roadside vendors, and vehicles, leaving several people injured in his wake.
An eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity said:
"The guy drove like a madman from VGC down to Jakande. He was hitting anything in his way just to escape because bikes were chasing him. People had to jump into ditches to save their lives. It was sheer chaos."
The suspect’s wild rampage came to an abrupt halt in Ajiran, where heavy traffic and narrow inner roads slowed down the stolen vehicle, allowing an enraged mob and security guards to intercept him.
He was severely beaten by the mob before police officers attached to the Lagos State Police Command arrived at the scene to restore order and take him into custody.
Confirming the incident, local security personnel in the area stated that the vehicle was recovered while those injured during the violent chase were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
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Police sources, however, confirmed that investigation into the incident has commenced, adding that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
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