POLICE NAB SUSPECTED VEHICLE THEFT KINGPIN IN OGUN, RECOVER LEXUS SUV

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged theft of a Lexus RX 300 SUV from Lagos and its attempted disposal in Ogun State. The suspects, identified as Obada Ezekiel, 27; Emmanuel Timothy, 25; and Yaya Yakubu, 27, were apprehended by operatives of the Ibafo Division following a distress call and intelligence that led investigators to their hideout in the Ibafo area.

The police said the suspects were arrested at about 11am on April 18, 2026, after officers received a credible tip-off concerning the stolen vehicle. Operatives reportedly tracked the suspects to a location in Ibafo, where they found an ash-coloured Lexus RX 300 SUV allegedly in their possession. The swift operation prevented the vehicle from being moved further or disposed of, while the suspects were taken into custody for questioning as investigators began working to establish the circumstances surrounding the theft.

According to the preliminary findings of the investigation, one of the suspects, identified as a security guard, allegedly conspired with the other two men to steal the vehicle from Lagos and transport it to Ogun State for disposal. Police investigators are now examining the roles played by each suspect and are also working to determine whether the group is connected to other vehicle theft operations in Lagos and Ogun. The recovery of the Lexus has also provided investigators with an important piece of evidence as they continue to trace the vehicle’s ownership and movements.

The operation was carried out by officers of the Ibafo Division following what the police described as a combination of public information and intelligence gathering. The command said the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abeokuta for further investigation and prosecution. Authorities are expected to conduct a more detailed investigation into the alleged conspiracy, identify any other individuals involved and establish whether the suspects have links to a wider network specialising in stealing and reselling vehicles.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operation for their quick response and effective use of intelligence. He also acknowledged the role of members of the public in providing information that helped the police recover the stolen vehicle and arrest the suspects. The command urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities and assured the public that it would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks involved in vehicle theft and other offences across the state.