Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained campaign against vehicle theft and other organised crimes with the successful recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of three suspects linked to the criminal enterprise. The breakthrough followed a report lodged at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on July 3, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., by one Mr. Ruben Adebayo, a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Ibadan, who reported that his Toyota Carina E, bearing registration number GGE 488 CN, had been fraudulently stolen by a passenger he had conveyed from Akobo to the Motor Spare Parts Market, Gate, Ibadan.
Preliminary investigation into the complaint revealed that the principal suspect, Femi Ojo, aged 60, engaged the complainant under the guise of purchasing a vehicular engine and other spare parts. Upon arrival at the market, the suspect inspected various engine options and negotiated prices with traders. While negotiations for the engine proved unsuccessful, he purchased a vehicle shaft and thereafter informed the complainant that he had identified another location where a suitable engine could be obtained. He subsequently boarded a commercial motorcycle to the new location, directing the complainant to remain at the market with the purchased vehicle shaft pending further instructions.
In furtherance of the criminal scheme, the suspect later telephoned the complainant and requested that he deliver the purchased vehicle shaft to the new location through a commercial motorcycle rider, explaining that doing so would be faster and more convenient. Trusting the suspect's explanation, the complainant securely parked and locked his vehicle before proceeding with the assignment. Unknown to him, the suspect had strategically positioned an accomplice, who is currently at large, at the Motor Spare Parts Market to steal the vehicle during his absence. Upon arriving at the designated location, the complainant discovered that the suspect had disappeared without a trace. He immediately returned to where he had parked his vehicle, only to find that the vehicle had been stolen.
Upon receipt of the report and armed with these facts, detectives of the Command immediately commenced an intelligence-led investigation, deploying both technical and operational resources that culminated in the arrest of the principal suspect, Femi Ojo, in Akure, Ondo State. The investigation further revealed that Femi Ojo, acting in concert with his fleeing accomplice, sold the stolen vehicle for the sum of ₦700,000 to Kayode Afolabi, aged 49, who subsequently resold it for ₦800,000 to Olatunji Mutiu, aged 49. Building on this breakthrough, investigators extended the operation, leading to the arrest of Kayode Afolabi and Olatunji Mutiu, as well as the recovery of the stolen vehicle at the Motor Spare Parts Market Oyarugbulem, Akure.
Further examination revealed that, in a calculated attempt to conceal the vehicle's identity, its original Oyo State commercial colour had been changed to green. Additionally, the latest receiver had commenced cannibalising the vehicle by removing its engine and gearbox. The removed components were also recovered, while the vehicle has since been towed to a secure Police facility pending the conclusion of investigations. Consequent upon the outcome of the investigation, 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. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the officers for their professionalism, vigilance, and swift response that led to the successful arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen vehicle. He reiterated the Command's zero-tolerance stance against vehicle theft and other criminal activities, warning that the Command would continue to intensify its intelligence-driven operations to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in Oyo State.
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