Police arrest three suspected vehicle snatchers in Oyo, seize guns

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in a vehicle-snatching syndicate operating within Ibadan and its surrounding areas. The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation based on credible information received on June 20 regarding a group specializing in stealing exotic vehicles from the public.

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Investigation is currently ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate, dismantle the network, and identify and arrest receivers and buyers of stolen vehicles and other proceeds of crime.

Intelligence reports indicated that the syndicate was planning to converge in the Olorunsogo area of Ibadan for intended robbery operations both within and outside the state capital. Acting on this information, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to apprehend those involved.

The operation led to the arrest of Akinpelu Afeez, 39, also known as “Starboy”; Taiwo Adams, 45, known as “Adamson”; and Salawudeen Taofeeq, 35, alias “T.K.” During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in multiple vehicle-snatching incidents across Ibadan. They also admitted to using locally fabricated firearms in their criminal activities.

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The Commissioner of Police reassures residents of Oyo State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes and dismantling criminal networks operating within the State.

Following their confessions, police obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspects' hideout in the Aremo area of Ibadan. The search yielded the recovery of two locally made cut-to-size single-barrel guns and six live cartridges. The police stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, dismantle the criminal network, and identify receivers and buyers of the stolen vehicles and other proceeds of crime. The command reassured residents of its commitment to combating violent crimes and urged the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information.

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He further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely, credible, and actionable information that will aid ongoing crime-fighting efforts.