The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a 2016 Toyota Camry allegedly stolen by a driver barely two days after he was employed by its owner.
The vehicle, belonging to an Indian national operating from the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, was recovered at a hotel in Ifo within eight hours of the alleged theft.
The driver, identified as Waidi Olajide Kolawole, reportedly took the vehicle on September 9, 2026, after telling his employer that he was driving it to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a damaged tyre.
He allegedly absconded with the vehicle instead.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.
According to Babaseyi, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo area after the owner reported the incident to the police.
The information was immediately transmitted to the Divisional Police Officer of Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives to locate the vehicle.
The officers tracked the vehicle through several locations before eventually locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30 p.m.
“On sighting the police, Kolawale allegedly fled with the ignition key, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene,” Babaseyi said.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspects had allegedly approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalytic converter, but the mechanic declined.
The command said the recovered vehicle had been secured, while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing driver and determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
Commending the operatives for the swift recovery, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, vigilance and effective use of intelligence.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The command advised vehicle owners to install reliable tracking devices and adopt additional anti-theft measures, including steering and tyre locks.
It also urged members of the public to exercise caution when entrusting vehicles, property or access to their homes and businesses to other persons, stressing the importance of proper 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 to the authorities.
