The death of comedian Adetola Samad, popularly known as Sanku, has stirred controversy over a loaned Lexus RX 350 SUV he was driving at the time of the fatal accident.
Content creator Folorunsho Olayinka, also known as Finest, who acted as Sanku’s guarantor, revealed that the late comedian had purchased the 2012 model SUV for ₦25.4 million from JJ Motors Empire and Services Limited in Ilorin, Kwara State. According to him, Sanku initially paid ₦7 million and continued with instalments, reaching a total of ₦12.28 million before his death, leaving an outstanding balance of about ₦13 million.
Finest, speaking during a TikTok livestream, denied speculations linking him to Sanku’s death. “I was only a guarantor because the dealer knew me. What would be my gain in harming someone who still owed ₦13 million? I even sent money to ensure he and his team received treatment after the accident,” he said, stressing that he had no role in the tragedy.
However, a close friend of the late comedian, who requested anonymity, claimed Sanku was under pressure to return the Lexus for a cheaper Nigerian-used Toyota Venza, as he struggled to keep up with the payment. In leaked WhatsApp voice notes, Sanku was heard expressing concerns that the dealer might repossess the car without giving him the agreed replacement, despite his uncle—a police officer in Osogbo—advising against returning it.
Sanku died on September 2, 2025, in a crash along Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State. His passing was later confirmed by fellow entertainer Yemi Elesho.
Just a day after acquiring the car, on June 6, 2025, the comedian had shared photos of the Lexus on TikTok with the caption: “Alhamdulillah for life, congratulations Adetola,” tagging Finest in the celebratory post.
