Police recover stolen Toyota Camry in Ogun, arrest one suspect

The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry from a hotel in Ifo and arrested one suspect, less than eight hours after the vehicle was reported stolen.

The command said the vehicle, belonging to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, was allegedly stolen on September 9, 2026, by the owner’s driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale.

According to the police in a statement on X on Sunday, Kolawale had been employed only two days earlier and allegedly told his employer that he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a tyre before absconding with it.

Following the report, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo axis. The information was subsequently passed to the Divisional Police Officer, Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.

The police said the operatives tracked the vehicle through several locations before locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30 pm.

“On sighting the police, Kolawale allegedly fled with the ignition key, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene,” the command said.

Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspects had allegedly approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalyst, but the mechanic declined.

The command said the vehicle had been secured while efforts were ongoing to arrest Kolawale and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The police described the recovery as evidence of the command’s “proactive, technology-driven and intelligence-led approach to policing.”

The command also stressed the importance of prompt reporting and coordinated police response in denying criminals what it described as “safe operating space.”

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ifo operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The police advised vehicle owners to install reliable tracking devices and adopt additional anti-theft measures, including steering locks and tyre locks.

Members of the public were also urged to exercise caution when entrusting vehicles, property and access to their homes or businesses to others.

“Trust should be accompanied by due diligence,” the command advised.

Hoteliers were equally advised to strengthen guest and vehicle verification, maintain accurate records and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities.

The police urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line on 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.