Police recover N45m stolen car in Ogun and arrest suspect

The Ogun State Police have recovered a stolen Lexus 460 SUV worth N45 million just hours after getting a theft report. They also arrested a suspect who was said to be planning to sell the car in Benin Republic for N10 million.

The police got the report from the Agbado Division on November 12, 2026, around 7pm. The owner of the vehicle reported that his 28-year-old driver, Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel, had taken the black Lexus 460 SUV without permission.

In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said investigations showed that the driver had dropped his boss off at work earlier that day but later drove off with the car.

Babaseyi stated that the driver claimed his wife was unwell before he took the vehicle to meet two other people. These individuals were identified as 34-year-old Akeem Olawale and Monday Keshi, who is still on the run.

According to Babaseyi, "The suspects had allegedly planned to take the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, to sell it for ₦10 million, even though its actual value is ₦45 million."

The police quickly launched an operation after they received the report. They used investigative tools to track down the suspects involved.

"The operation led to the arrest of one suspect at Agbado Crossing around 7:00 p.m. on the same day, and the stolen Lexus was recovered successfully," the statement said.

Babaseyi also mentioned that the arrested suspect admitted to being part of the plan to move the car to Cotonou for sale during questioning.

The police are still working to catch the suspect who escaped, and they will transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further work.

The Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, praised the detectives for their quick response to the theft.

The statement quoted Ojajuni praising the officers for their "alertness, quick response, and professionalism."

He also stressed the police's commitment to conducting intelligence-led operations, breaking up criminal networks, and making sure those involved in crimes face justice.

"The Command assures residents of its steady commitment to protecting lives and property. We encourage the public to report any suspicious activity and provide useful information to help police work," the statement concluded.