Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a private security guard and two other suspects in connection with the theft of a luxury sport utility vehicle, and successfully recovered the stolen vehicle in Ibafo, within the Ifo axis of the state, in what authorities describe as a swift, intelligence-driven operation that prevented the suspected disposal of the vehicle.
The suspects, identified as Obada Ezekiel, 27; Emmanuel Timothy, 25; and Yaya Yakubu, 27, were apprehended by operatives of the Ibafo Division following a coordinated response to a distress call and credible intelligence provided through community support channels. Police said the breakthrough highlights the growing importance of public cooperation in tackling vehicle-related crimes.
According to the Command, the arrest was made on April 18, 2026, at about 11:00 am, after an anonymous tip-off alerted officers to suspicious movement of a stolen vehicle within the Ibafo axis. Acting on the information, operatives immediately launched surveillance and tracking efforts that led them to a hideout where the vehicle was eventually recovered.
The stolen vehicle, an ash-coloured Lexus RX 300 SUV, was found in the possession of the suspects at the time of the raid. Officers confirmed that the vehicle was intact and secured before being taken into custody as evidence.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the police revealed that one of the suspects, Obada Ezekiel, was employed as a private security guard attached to the vehicle. Authorities allege that he used his position of trust to facilitate the theft by conspiring with the two other suspects, Emmanuel Timothy and Yaya Yakubu.
Investigators further disclosed that the vehicle was allegedly stolen from Lagos State and transported to Ibafo, where the suspects intended to either conceal or dispose of it. The exact destination or intended buyer has not yet been confirmed, as the investigation is still ongoing.
Police sources noted that the involvement of an insider in the theft has raised concern within security circles, particularly regarding the vulnerability of privately secured assets and the risks associated with inadequate vetting of security personnel.
The Ogun State Police Command stated that the suspects were tracked down through a combination of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response tactics. Officers from the Ibafo Division reportedly acted within minutes of receiving credible information, which significantly reduced the chances of the suspects escaping or dismantling the vehicle.
Following their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody and are currently undergoing interrogation. They are expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta for further investigation and formal prosecution.
Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are part of a broader network involved in vehicle theft across Lagos and Ogun States. Investigators are also examining possible links to other reported cases of stolen vehicles within the region.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives of the Ibafo Division for their professionalism and swift action. He described the operation as a successful demonstration of effective policing and timely intelligence utilisation.
He further praised the synergy between the police and members of the public, noting that the anonymous tip-off played a critical role in ensuring the quick recovery of the stolen SUV. According to him, community involvement remains essential in modern policing, especially in preventing and solving crimes.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing across the state, with a focus on proactive crime prevention rather than reactive response. He stressed that criminal elements would continue to face increased pressure as the Command expands surveillance and response capacity.
He also issued a warning against insider-assisted crimes, particularly cases where individuals entrusted with responsibilities misuse their positions for criminal gain. Such acts, he said, undermine public trust and will be met with strict enforcement of the law.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, emphasising that timely information from the public has repeatedly proven crucial in preventing crime and recovering stolen property.
It further encouraged citizens to make use of official emergency communication lines for rapid response, noting that accessible reporting channels are designed to improve coordination between the police and the public.
Police authorities confirmed that the recovered Lexus RX 300 SUV will remain in custody as investigations continue, pending identification and verification by the rightful owner.
The Command also assured residents that it will sustain its intelligence-driven operations across all divisions in Ogun State, particularly targeting vehicle theft syndicates, robbery networks, and other organised criminal groups operating within and across state boundaries.
As investigations progress, the police say they are working to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and any additional accomplices who may have played a role in the planning or execution of the theft.
The case adds to a growing list of similar arrests in recent months, reflecting increased enforcement efforts by security agencies in addressing car theft and related crimes across southwestern Nigeria.
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