The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry from a hotel in Ifo, less than eight hours after the vehicle was reported missing.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta.
According to Babaseyi, the vehicle, belonging to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, was allegedly stolen on September 9 by his newly employed driver, identified as Waidi Kolawale.
He said Kolawale, who had been employed just two days earlier, allegedly told his employer that he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a tyre but instead absconded with it.
Babaseyi said electronic tracking technology led police operatives to the Ifo area, prompting the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, to deploy surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.
The officers reportedly tracked the vehicle through several locations before recovering it from a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30 p.m.
“On sighting the police, Kolawale fled with the ignition key, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene,” Babaseyi said.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalyst, but the mechanic declined.
Babaseyi said the recovered vehicle had been secured, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.
Ojajuni also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He advised vehicle owners to adopt anti-theft measures, including installing tracking devices and using steering and tyre locks.
