Three Arrested for Stealing Car in Oyo

The Oyo State Police have arrested a 60-year-old man and two others for stealing a vehicle in Ibadan, the state capital.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the main suspect, Femi Ojo, 60, was arrested with his accomplices, Kayode Afolabi, 49, and Olatunji Mutiu, 49, in Akure, Ondo State, where the stolen vehicle was located.

Ayanlade said investigations found that Ojo, with the help of another accomplice who is still on the run, sold the stolen vehicle for N700,000 to Afolabi. Afolabi then sold it again for N800,000 to Mutiu.

The statement said, "The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another success in its fight against vehicle theft and organized crime with the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of three suspects involved in the crime.

"This success followed a report made at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on Friday, July 3, 2026, around 4:00 p.m., by Ruben Adebayo, a 55-year-old man from Akobo, Ibadan. He reported that his Toyota Carina E, with registration number GGE 488 CN, was stolen by a passenger he gave a ride to from Akobo to the Motor Spare Parts Market at Gate, Ibadan.

"Initial investigations showed that the main suspect, Ojo, pretended to want to buy a vehicle engine and other spare parts from the complainant.

"When they got to the market, Ojo looked at different engine options and talked with traders about prices. Though he could not buy an engine, he bought a vehicle shaft and told the complainant he found another place to get a suitable engine.

"He then took a commercial motorcycle to the new location, telling the complainant to stay at the market with the vehicle shaft until he got back with more instructions.

"Later, Ojo called the complainant and asked him to send the vehicle shaft to the new place with a motorcycle rider, saying it would be faster and easier.

"Believing him, the complainant parked and locked his vehicle before sending the shaft.

"Unfortunately, while he was gone, Ojo had placed an accomplice at the Motor Spare Parts Market to steal the vehicle during the complainant's absence.

When the complainant returned to his car, he found it missing.

Ayanlade said that after receiving the report, detectives quickly started an investigation using both technical and operational methods. This led to the arrest of Femi Ojo in Akure, Ondo State.

"The investigation also found that Ojo, along with his fleeing accomplice, sold the stolen vehicle for N700,000 to Kayode Afolabi, who then sold it for N800,000 to Olatunji Mutiu," Ayanlade said.

Following this breakthrough, police expanded their operation, leading to the arrests of Afolabi and Mutiu, along with the recovery of the stolen vehicle at the Motor Spare Parts Market in Oyarugbulem, Akure.

Further checks showed that, to hide the vehicle's identity, its original Oyo State commercial color was changed to green.

The latest buyer had even started taking apart the vehicle by removing its engine and gearbox, according to the spokesperson.

The removed parts have also been recovered, and the vehicle has been taken to a police facility for further investigation.

Ojo and the two other suspects admitted their roles in the crime. Ayanlade said they will face charges in court once the investigation is complete. Efforts are still on to catch the accomplice who escaped and to break up the rest of the criminal group.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, praised the police for their hard work and commitment. He said this success shows the command's focus on intelligence-led policing and determination to keep Oyo State safe.

He urged the public to stay alert and continue sharing useful information with the police, assuring them that all tips would be taken seriously to improve safety and security for everyone.