A Nigerian automobile dealer has taken to social media to raise alarm over a baffling case involving a client who paid ₦45 million for a car but mysteriously disappeared shortly after the transaction and has remained unreachable for over two years.
The revelation came through a post shared by @maziechidiime on the platform X (formerly Twitter), where the Chairman and CEO of Echidiime Motors Limited recounted his frustration with the unresolved situation. According to him, the client was someone he connected with on TikTok in 2023, and after making full payment for a vehicle, he vanished without a trace.
“A client paid for a vehicle worth ₦45 million naira and ghosted us since 2023. We have tried calling, texting, and reaching out to his bank, but unfortunately, he’s an orphan🪶,” the dealer wrote.
He further disclosed that the client’s TikTok account has since been deleted or banned, cutting off one of the only channels through which they had interacted. Efforts to trace the buyer through the bank account used for the transaction also proved futile, as the bank reportedly refused to release any helpful information due to privacy restrictions.
“Sincerely, what do you think we should do? Okay. But his TikTok account has been deleted since then, because we met on TikTok,” he added in the viral thread.
Public Reactions and Theories
The strange case has ignited widespread speculation online, with thousands reacting to the post and offering possible explanations and advice. Some suggested the client may have died or encountered unforeseen circumstances, such as imprisonment or a medical emergency. Others proposed practical financial measures the dealer could adopt while awaiting further clarity.
Here’s a cross-section of comments from concerned users:
-
@Mr_DaveChigozie: “I just hope he didn’t pass away. That might explain why he’s been inactive all this while.”
-
@OgunniyiIs91778: “Keep his money intact until he returns. But he’ll definitely need to pay more because that same vehicle won’t cost the same now.”
-
@MaxwellAni4: “Put the funds to work in your business. If he shows up again, you can sort it out. That’s better than just waiting idly.”
-
@Emirate_Wealth: “Anything could’ve happened—jail, health issues, even migration. Just keep the money in a fixed account for now and be patient.”
-
@ChizobaCynthia_: “Post his picture online but say you’re searching for a long-lost friend, not about the car or money. That way, if someone truly knows him, they’ll reach out without any ulterior motive.”
-
@godwin32940: “If his TikTok was deleted, then he might be deliberately hiding—possibly involved in something shady or trying to cover his tracks.”
-
@kingkelly01042: “Place the funds in a term deposit account where it can accrue interest. No one knows what tomorrow holds, so it’s best to be smart while waiting.”
Legal and Ethical Questions
The situation also raises legal and ethical questions: What are a business owner's rights and obligations when a customer pays in full and then disappears without taking delivery of the product? Experts say the dealer is technically obligated to preserve the funds or vehicle for a reasonable period though how long that period should last is a matter of legal interpretation and good business ethics.
Despite the ambiguity, many have praised the car dealer’s transparency and patience, highlighting how rare it is for a business to hold on to a large sum without attempting to resell or repurpose the item.
What’s Next?
For now, the dealer says he remains open to any information about the missing client and is calling on the public for help. Whether the man resurfaces or not, the story stands as a bizarre example of the digital age’s strange blend of trust, commerce, and unpredictability.
Post a Comment