Entertainment

Unpaid Loan Car Sparks Controversy After Sanku’s Death

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedSeptember 23, 2025

A fresh controversy has trailed the death of rising comedian, Adetola Samad, popularly known as Sanku, following revelations that the Lexus RX 350 SUV he died in was a loaned vehicle yet to be fully paid for.

Content creator, Folorunsho Olayinka, popularly called Finest, disclosed in a TikTok livestream on Monday that the late comedian had acquired the 2012 model Lexus SUV on instalments from JJ Motors Empire and Services Limited in Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to him, Sanku, who lost his life in a ghastly accident along Ogbomoso Road, Oyo State, on September 2, 2025, had only paid part of the N25.4m cost of the vehicle before his demise.

Finest, who stood as guarantor for the transaction, said the late comedian deposited N7m at the point of purchase on June 5, 2025, before gradually increasing his instalment payments to N12.28m.

He noted that the balance of about N13m remained unpaid at the time of the accident.

“I was only a guarantor because the dealer knew me. I didn’t force him to buy the car. After paying the initial deposit, he continued with instalments. So, what would be my gain in killing someone who still owed about N13m under my guarantee?” Finest queried.

He also recounted that his siblings and colleagues visited the accident scene and the hospital where Sanku was rushed to, adding that he had to provide funds for their treatment due to alleged delays in medical attention.

However, a close friend of the late comedian, who spoke on condition of anonymity, faulted Finest’s claims, alleging that Sanku had been under pressure to return the Lexus SUV for a Nigerian-used Toyota Venza because he was struggling to complete the payment.

In a WhatsApp voice recording, the deceased was heard lamenting repeated calls from the dealer urging him to return the Lexus. He reportedly confided in his uncle, a policeman in Osogbo, who warned him against complying for fear of being swindled.

Before his untimely death, Sanku had proudly showcased the Lexus on his TikTok page on June 6, posting photographs with the caption: “Alhamdulilah for life, congratulations Adetola,” while tagging Finest as the dealer.

The comedian’s death was first confirmed by actor Yemi Elesho on his social media platforms, sparking widespread grief among fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

As of press time, JJ Motors Empire and Services Limited, the dealership at the centre of the controversy, had yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.