Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have successfully recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested three individuals linked to the crime, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation that extended beyond state borders.
The incident, which occurred in Ibadan, the state capital, involved a carefully orchestrated deception that led to the theft of a Toyota Carina E belonging to a 55-year-old resident, Ruben Adebayo.
According to police findings, the prime suspect, identified as 60-year-old Femi Ojo, posed as a customer seeking to purchase vehicle engine parts.
He engaged the vehicle owner, who had conveyed him to the Motor Spare Parts Market in Ibadan, under the pretense of sourcing mechanical components.
After inspecting various engine options without making a purchase, Ojo reportedly bought a vehicle shaft and devised a scheme to lure the victim away from his car.
He instructed the owner to remain at the market while he searched for another engine elsewhere. Moments later, he called and requested that the purchased shaft be delivered to him via a commercial motorcycle rider.
Unaware of the setup, the victim secured his vehicle and proceeded to fulfill the request. During his absence, an accomplice—allegedly positioned at the market—made away with the vehicle.
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Upon realizing the deception, the victim reported the case to the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting immediate action by law enforcement.
Police investigations traced the stolen vehicle to Akure, Ondo State, where the principal suspect was apprehended. Further inquiries revealed that the vehicle had been sold for ₦700,000 to a second suspect, Kayode Afolabi, who subsequently resold it for ₦800,000 to a third individual, Olatunji Mutiu.
All three suspects were arrested, and the stolen vehicle was recovered at a spare parts market in Akure.
Authorities also discovered that the suspects had attempted to conceal the vehicle’s identity by changing its color and dismantling key components, including the engine and gearbox. The removed parts have since been recovered.
Police confirmed that the suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the wider criminal network connected to the operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the officers involved for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating organized crime.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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