The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on vehicle theft and organised crime with the recovery of a stolen Toyota Carina E and the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to a vehicle theft syndicate operating across Oyo and Ondo states.
The Command said the operation followed a complaint lodged at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters in Ibadan by a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Mr. Ruben Adebayo, who reported that his Toyota Carina E with registration number GGE 488 CN had been stolen through a carefully orchestrated scheme by a passenger he had conveyed to the Motor Spare Parts Market, Gate, Ibadan.
According to police investigations, the principal suspect, identified as 60-year-old Femi Ojo, allegedly engaged the complainant under the pretext of purchasing a vehicle engine and other spare parts. After inspecting several engine options at the market and purchasing a vehicle shaft, the suspect reportedly informed the vehicle owner that he had located another source where a suitable engine could be obtained.
Police said the suspect then left for the new location on a commercial motorcycle while instructing the complainant to remain behind with the purchased shaft until further notice.
The Command explained that the suspect later contacted the complainant by telephone and requested that the vehicle shaft be delivered to him through a motorcycle rider, claiming it would be faster and more convenient.
Trusting the explanation, the vehicle owner reportedly parked and locked his car before proceeding to fulfil the request. Unknown to him, investigators said the suspect had allegedly positioned an accomplice at the market to steal the vehicle during his absence.
When the complainant arrived at the designated location, he reportedly discovered that the suspect had vanished. Upon returning to the spot where he had parked his vehicle, he found that it had been stolen.
Acting on the report, detectives launched an intelligence-driven investigation, deploying both technical and operational resources that eventually led to the arrest of the principal suspect in Akure, Ondo State.
Police investigations further revealed that the stolen vehicle was allegedly sold by the suspect and an accomplice still at large for ₦700,000 to one Kayode Afolabi, 49, who subsequently resold it for ₦800,000 to another suspect, Olatunji Mutiu, also 49.
The investigation was later extended, leading to the arrest of both alleged receivers and the recovery of the stolen vehicle at the Oyarugbulem Motor Spare Parts Market in Akure.
According to the police, efforts had been made to conceal the identity of the vehicle as its original Oyo State commercial colour had been changed to green.
Investigators also discovered that the latest buyer had allegedly begun dismantling the vehicle by removing its engine and gearbox. The removed components were recovered alongside the vehicle, which has since been secured at a police facility pending the conclusion of investigations.
The Command disclosed that the three suspects confessed to their respective roles during interrogation.
“The principal suspect, Femi Ojo, alongside the two suspected receivers, Kayode Afolabi and Olatunji Mutiu, confessed to their respective roles in the commission of the crime,” the police said.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the completion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and uncover other members of the criminal network.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating vehicle theft, fraud and other organised crimes, urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
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