The Oyo State Police Command has recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested three suspects allegedly involved in a vehicle theft syndicate, following an intelligence-led operation that extended from Ibadan to Akure, Ondo State.
The command said the breakthrough came after a complaint was lodged at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on July 3 by a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Ibadan, identified as Ruben Adebayo, who reported that his Toyota Carina E with registration number GGE 488 CN had been stolen by a passenger he was conveying.
According to the police, the prime suspect, 60-year-old Femi Ojo, allegedly posed as a customer seeking to purchase a vehicle engine and spare parts at the Motor Spare Parts Market in Gate, Ibadan. After inspecting and negotiating for engines, he reportedly bought a vehicle shaft before telling the complainant he had located another engine elsewhere.
Police said Ojo then left on a commercial motorcycle, instructing Adebayo to remain at the market with the purchased shaft. He later called the complainant, requesting that the shaft be delivered to his new location by motorcycle for convenience.
Unaware it was part of a planned theft, Adebayo parked and locked his vehicle before setting off with the shaft. Investigators said an accomplice, who had been strategically positioned at the market, stole the vehicle while the owner was away. By the time the complainant reached the agreed location, the suspect had disappeared, and his vehicle was gone.
Detectives immediately launched an intelligence-driven investigation, deploying both technical and operational resources that led to the arrest of Ojo in Akure, Ondo State.
Further investigation revealed that Ojo and his fleeing accomplice allegedly sold the stolen vehicle for ₦700,000 to 49-year-old Kayode Afolabi, who later resold it for ₦800,000 to another suspect, 49-year-old Olatunji Mutiu.
The police subsequently arrested Afolabi and Mutiu and recovered the stolen vehicle at the Oyarugbulem Motor Spare Parts Market in Akure.
Investigators also discovered that the vehicle’s original Oyo State commercial colour had been changed to green in an apparent attempt to conceal its identity. The latest receiver had also begun dismantling the car by removing its engine and gearbox, both of which were recovered. The vehicle has since been towed to a secure police facility pending the conclusion of investigations.
Police said the three suspects confessed to their respective roles during interrogation and would be arraigned in court after investigations are completed, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the operatives for their professionalism and resilience.
“The feat is another testament to the Command’s intelligence-driven policing strategy and unwavering resolve to rid Oyo State of criminal elements,” the commissioner said.
Olugbenga also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime. #Securitynewsalert.com
