The Oyo State Police Command has successfully retrieved a stolen Toyota Carina E and apprehended three individuals believed to be part of a vehicle theft ring operating between Oyo and Ondo states.
The operation followed a report made on July 3 at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters by 55-year-old Ruben Adebayo, a resident of Akobo, Ibadan, who stated that his Toyota Carina E, registered as GGE 488 CN, was taken by a passenger he had driven to the Motor Spare Parts Market at Gate, Ibadan.
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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade Olayinka, initial investigations indicated that the main suspect, 60-year-old Femi Ojo, had rented the vehicle under the guise of buying a vehicle engine and other spare parts.
The suspect supposedly engaged the driver in discussions with market traders before instructing him to deliver a purchased vehicle shaft to another location using a commercial motorcycle, claiming it would be quicker. While the driver was away, an accomplice allegedly stole the parked vehicle and escaped.
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In response, police detectives quickly initiated an intelligence-led investigation, resulting in the arrest of Femi Ojo in Akure, Ondo State.
Further inquiries revealed that Ojo, along with an accomplice who is still at large, sold the stolen vehicle for ₦700,000 to 49-year-old Kayode Afolabi, who then resold it for ₦800,000 to another suspect, 49-year-old Olatunji Mutiu.
The vehicle was later found at the Oyarugbulem Motor Spare Parts Market in Akure during a subsequent operation.
Authorities reported that the suspects attempted to disguise the vehicle’s identity by repainting it from its original Oyo State commercial color to green. Investigators also uncovered that the most recent buyer had begun dismantling the vehicle, having removed its engine and gearbox.
These components have since been recovered, and the vehicle is now in police custody as investigations continue.
