Oyo vehicle theft investigators have recovered a stolen Toyota Carina E and arrested three suspects linked to the crime following an intelligence-led operation by the Oyo State Police Command. The breakthrough came after detectives traced the stolen vehicle from Ibadan to Akure in neighbouring Ondo State.
The suspects, identified as Femi Ojo, 60, Kayode Afolabi, 49, and Olatunji Mutiu, 49, were arrested during the operation. Police said the principal suspect allegedly stole the vehicle before selling it to another suspect, who later resold it to a third buyer.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, detectives acted swiftly after receiving a complaint from the vehicle owner, Ruben Adebayo, a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Ibadan.
The complainant reported that his Toyota Carina E, bearing registration number GGE 488 CN, was fraudulently stolen by a passenger he had conveyed to the Motor Spare Parts Market at Gate, Ibadan.
Oyo vehicle theft suspect used deception
Police investigations revealed that the principal suspect posed as a customer interested in buying a vehicle engine and other spare parts.
After inspecting several engines and negotiating prices with traders, the suspect claimed he had found another location where a suitable engine was available. Consequently, he boarded a commercial motorcycle and instructed the vehicle owner to remain at the market with the purchased vehicle shaft.
Later, the suspect contacted the complainant by telephone and requested that the purchased shaft be delivered through a commercial motorcycle rider. Trusting the explanation, the owner parked and locked his vehicle before sending the part as requested.
Unknown to the complainant, police said another suspect had already been positioned at the market to steal the vehicle while its owner was away.
Oyo vehicle theft investigation leads to arrests
When the complainant returned to the parking area, he discovered that his vehicle had disappeared. He immediately reported the incident to the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on July 3, 2026.
Following the report, detectives launched an intelligence-driven investigation using technical and operational resources. As a result, officers tracked the principal suspect to Akure, Ondo State, where he was arrested.
Further investigations showed that Ojo allegedly sold the stolen vehicle for ₦700,000 to Kayode Afolabi. Investigators said Afolabi later resold the car for ₦800,000 to Olatunji Mutiu.
The breakthrough enabled police to arrest both receivers and recover the stolen vehicle at the Motor Spare Parts Market in Oyarugbulem, Akure.
Police recover stolen vehicle and components
During the operation, detectives discovered that the vehicle had been altered to conceal its identity.
According to the police, the original commercial colour registered in Oyo State had been changed to green. In addition, the latest receiver had begun dismantling the vehicle by removing its engine and gearbox.
Fortunately, investigators recovered the removed components before they could be disposed of or sold. Officers also towed the recovered vehicle to a secure police facility, where it will remain pending the completion of investigations.
Police confirmed that all three suspects confessed to their respective roles during interrogation.
Investigation continues as police hunt accomplice
The Oyo vehicle theft investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue efforts to arrest another suspect who allegedly participated in the crime but remains at large.
Police also said they are working to dismantle the wider criminal network involved in vehicle theft and illegal vehicle resale across state boundaries.
Upon the conclusion of investigations, the three suspects will be charged in court in accordance with the law.
Police reaffirm commitment to public safety
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the operatives for their professionalism, diligence and resilience throughout the investigation.
He described the successful recovery of the vehicle as further evidence of the command’s intelligence-led policing strategy and its determination to combat organised crime in Oyo State.
The commissioner reassured residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property. Furthermore, he encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that can assist security agencies in preventing crime.
He added that community cooperation remains essential to tackling vehicle theft and other organised criminal activities. The Oyo vehicle theft case, he said, demonstrates the value of intelligence gathering and swift police response in recovering stolen property and bringing suspects to justice.
