Police bust vehicle theft syndicate in Abeokuta

The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled a car-snatching syndicate operating across Abeokuta and neighbouring communities, following an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a stolen Toyota Corolla.

The breakthrough, according to police authorities, underscores the command’s increasing reliance on digital forensics and intelligence gathering in tackling organised vehicle theft across state lines.

The operation began after armed suspects attempted to rob a resident in the Oniyo Community, Arokoje area of Obantoko, around 9:45 p.m. as he arrived home and opened his gate.

The victim resisted the attack and raised an alarm, drawing the attention of neighbours who rushed to the scene. According to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects lost control of their getaway vehicle during the struggle and crashed into a nearby fence.

Realising that residents and police officers from the Obantoko Division were closing in, the suspects abandoned the damaged vehicle and fled the scene in a separate getaway car.

Although the suspects initially escaped, they left behind key forensic clues at the scene, including an Infinix mobile phone and a Wema Bank ATM card.

Police investigators from the Anti-Robbery Unit reportedly used the recovered items to trace communications and financial activity linked to the suspects, leading to the identification of Ismaila Israel Sokunbi (38) as a central figure in the syndicate.

Security sources said the digital trail helped investigators map out the broader network involved in multiple car theft operations across Ogun State and beyond.

Acting on intelligence, police operatives carried out a series of coordinated arrests:

In Abeokuta, Sokunbi was apprehended around the Oke-Jigbo and Isale Abese areas following a search warrant executed at his hideout. Officers reportedly recovered tools suspected to be used in vehicle theft operations, including industrial gas hoses and multiple SIM cards.

Further interrogation led detectives to Ibadan in neighbouring Oyo State, where Kayode Adeyemi (37), described as the alleged leader of the syndicate, was arrested by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran.

In a separate operation, Kola Taiwo (55) was arrested in connection with the theft of a Toyota Corolla reported missing in Osiele. Police say Taiwo also admitted involvement in the theft and disposal of another vehicle.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for what he described as a successful intelligence-driven operation that avoided prolonged confrontation and led to the dismantling of the syndicate’s structure.

He confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody at the SCID headquarters in Eleweran and are assisting investigators in tracking down additional members of the network as well as recovering more stolen vehicles.

Police said the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.