By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry from a hotel in Ifo, Ogun State, less than eight hours after the vehicle was reported missing, arresting one suspect in connection with the incident.
The command said the vehicle, belonging to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Lagos, was allegedly stolen on September 9, 2026, by the owner’s driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale, who was employed only two days before the incident.
According to the police, Kolawale had told his employer that he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a tyre but allegedly absconded with the car.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said in a statement on September 13 that the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo axis after the theft was reported.
Babaseyi said the information was relayed to the Divisional Police Officer, Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who analysed the available intelligence and immediately deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.
The operatives, according to the PPRO, tracked the vehicle through several locations before locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30pm.
He said Kolawale fled with the ignition key upon sighting the police, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalyst, but the mechanic declined,” the statement said.
The police said the recovered vehicle had been secured, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command described the recovery as an indication of its proactive, technology-driven and intelligence-led approach to policing, stressing that prompt reporting and coordinated police response were crucial to denying criminals safe operating space.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ifo operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The command also advised vehicle owners to deploy reliable tracking devices and additional anti-theft measures, including steering and tyre locks.
It urged members of the public to exercise caution in deciding who they entrust with their vehicles, property and access to their homes or businesses, stressing that trust should be accompanied by due diligence.
The police further advised hoteliers to strengthen guest and vehicle verification procedures, maintain accurate records and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities.
The command urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.
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