The Oyo State Police Command has recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested three suspects linked to a vehicle theft syndicate following an intelligence-led operation that extended into Ondo State.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka.
According to the police, the case began after a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Ibadan, Mr. Ruben Adebayo, reported on July 3 that his Toyota Carina E with registration number GGE 488 CN had been stolen after he was allegedly deceived in a carefully planned scheme.
Investigations revealed that the principal suspect, 60-year-old Femi Ojo, hired the complainant to transport him from Akobo to the Motor Spare Parts Market in Ibadan under the guise of buying a vehicle engine and spare parts.
After inspecting and purchasing some items, the suspect reportedly claimed he needed to get another engine elsewhere and left the scene on a commercial motorcycle, instructing the vehicle owner to wait.
Police said Ojo later convinced the complainant to send the purchased vehicle shaft to him via a motorcyclist, assuring him it would be faster. While the complainant left his vehicle parked and locked, an accomplice—now at large—allegedly stole the car.
On returning, the victim discovered both the suspect and his vehicle had disappeared.
Acting on the report, detectives launched an intelligence-driven investigation that led to the arrest of the principal suspect in Akure, Ondo State.
Further investigations revealed that the stolen vehicle was sold for ₦700,000 to one Kayode Afolabi, 49, who later resold it for ₦800,000 to another suspect, Olatunji Mutiu, also 49.
The police subsequently arrested both Afolabi and Mutiu and recovered the vehicle at the Motor Spare Parts Market in Oyarugbulem, Akure.
The command said the suspects attempted to conceal the vehicle’s identity by repainting it from its original Oyo State commercial colour to green. It was also discovered that parts of the vehicle, including the engine and gearbox, had already been removed.
The recovered components have been secured, while the vehicle has been taken to a police facility pending the conclusion of investigations.
Police confirmed that the suspects have confessed to their roles and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the operation as part of the command’s intelligence-driven policing strategy aimed at tackling organised crime.
He assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support law enforcement efforts.