Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered two stolen vehicles following a routine stop-and-search operation in Benin City, in a breakthrough that exposed a forgery and theft syndicate operating within the state. According to a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, by the command's spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, operatives attached to the Textile Mill Road Division intercepted an ash-coloured Daihatsu Hijet mini bus with registration number GBZ 646 YK at a checkpoint along Siluko Road, Benin City, on June 22, 2026.
Preliminary checks on the vehicle, which was intercepted during the routine checkpoint operation, revealed that the particulars presented by the driver were forged. Further investigation disclosed that the vehicle belonged to one Dr. Timothy Etinosa, who had earlier given the vehicle to one Emmanuel Afolayan on a hire-purchase agreement. However, Emmanuel Afolayan absconded with the vehicle in 2024 to an unknown destination, forged its documents, and subsequently sold it.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 46-year-old Ezikiel Aguele, was arrested at the checkpoint. During interrogation, he led operatives to the arrest of the principal suspect, Emmanuel Afolayan, as well as the recovery of another vehicle which was similarly stolen through the same scheme. Both suspects have made confessional statements and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation. He reiterated the importance of stop-and-search operations as a proactive policing strategy that continues to aid crime prevention, detection, the recovery of stolen property, and the arrest of criminal elements. He also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat crime and criminality across the state.
The successful recovery underscores the command's commitment to tackling vehicle theft and related crimes in Edo State, as police continue to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations across the state.
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