Police recover stolen vehicle in Oyo, arrest three

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully recovered a stolen vehicle and apprehended three suspects involved in its fraudulent sale. The operation marks a significant breakthrough in the command's ongoing efforts against vehicle theft and organized crime.

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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 principal suspect, identified as 60-year-old Femi Ojo, was arrested alongside his accomplices, Kayode Afolabi and Olatunji Mutiu, both 49 years old. The arrests were made in Akure, Ondo State, where the stolen vehicle was traced.

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Investigations revealed that Ojo, acting in concert with an accomplice still at large, sold the stolen vehicle for N700,000 to Afolabi, who subsequently resold it for N800,000 to Mutiu.

Investigations revealed a chain of transactions following the theft. Ojo, with the assistance of an accomplice still at large, reportedly sold the stolen Toyota Carina E for N700,000 to Afolabi. Afolabi, in turn, resold the vehicle to Mutiu for N800,000.

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The breakthrough followed a report lodged at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on Friday, July 3, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., by one 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 conveyed from Akobo to the Motor Spare Parts Market, Gate, Ibadan.

The incident came to light after Ruben Adebayo, the 55-year-old owner of the vehicle, reported its theft on Friday, July 3, 2026. Adebayo stated that his car, registration number GGE 488 CN, was stolen by a passenger he had transported from Akobo to the Motor Spare Parts Market in Ibadan. The suspect had posed as a buyer interested in vehicle parts, luring Adebayo away from his car under false pretenses. While Adebayo was inspecting engine parts, the accomplice allegedly stole the vehicle. Upon returning, Adebayo discovered his car missing.

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Upon arrival at the market, the suspect inspected various engine options and negotiated prices with traders. Although negotiations for the engine proved unsuccessful, he purchased a vehicle shaft and informed the complainant that he had identified another location where a suitable engine could be obtained.