Oyo Police Bust Cross-State Car Theft Syndicate

​The Oyo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a vehicle-theft syndicate following the recovery of a stolen Toyota Carina E and the arrest of three individuals in Akure, Ondo State.

​Case Details

​The operation was triggered by a report filed at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on July 3, 2026, by a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Ibadan. The complainant, Ruben Adebayo, alleged that his vehicle (registration number GGE 488 CN) was stolen after he was lured to the Motor Spare Parts Market at Gate, Ibadan, by a passenger under the pretense of purchasing vehicle spare parts.

​Modus Operandi

​According to the police, the principal suspect, 60-year-old Femi Ojo, employed a sophisticated diversionary tactic:

• ​The Lure: Ojo engaged the victim to transport him to the market to purchase an engine.

• ​The Separation: After inspecting engine options, Ojo directed the victim to wait with a purchased vehicle shaft while he departed on a commercial motorcycle, claiming he had found a better deal elsewhere.

• ​The Theft: Ojo later instructed the victim to send the shaft to him via a motorcycle courier. While the victim was away from his vehicle, an accomplice—who remains at large—stole the car.

​Police Breakthrough

​Intelligence-led investigations by the Oyo State Command tracked the stolen vehicle to Akure, Ondo State. The investigation revealed that:

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• ​Sale Chain: Ojo sold the stolen vehicle for ₦700,000 to Kayode Afolabi (49), who then resold it to Olatunji Mutiu (49) for ₦800,000.

• ​Identity Concealment: To avoid detection, the suspects repainted the vehicle from its original Oyo State commercial color to green.

• ​Cannibalization: At the time of recovery at the Oyarugbulem Motor Spare Parts Market in Akure, the final receiver had already begun dismantling the vehicle, having removed the engine and gearbox.

​Current Status

​The police have recovered the vehicle and its missing components. All three arrested suspects—Femi Ojo, Kayode Afolabi, and Olatunji Mutiu—have reportedly confessed to their roles in the criminal enterprise. The Command is actively pursuing the remaining accomplice at large and plans to charge all suspects in court upon the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation.

​Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the investigative team for their professionalism and urged the public to remain vigilant against such deceptive schemes.