The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a Lexus 460 SUV valued at ₦45 million, hours after it was allegedly stolen by the owner’s driver, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
The police also foiled an alleged plan by the suspects to transport the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale at ₦10 million.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the statement, the incident was reported to the police on November 12, at about 7:00 p.m., following the alleged theft of a black Lexus 460 SUV by the owner’s 28-year-old driver, Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver had earlier conveyed his employer to the office but subsequently drove away with the vehicle without authorisation, allegedly claiming that his wife was indisposed.
He was said to have taken the SUV to meet two other individuals identified as Akeem Olawale, 34, and Monday Keshi, who is currently at large.
The suspects allegedly planned to move the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, where they intended to sell it for ₦10 million, despite its estimated market value of ₦45 million.
Following the report, detectives attached to the Agbado Division immediately launched an operation to track down the suspects.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of one of the suspects at Agbado Crossing at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day, while the stolen vehicle was successfully recovered.
The arrested suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the planned transportation of the vehicle to Cotonou for sale during preliminary interrogation.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, adding that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their vigilance, swift response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, the disruption of criminal networks and the prosecution of individuals involved in criminal activities.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or provide credible information that could assist security operations.
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