Ogun police track stolen car to Ifo hotel, arrest suspect

The Ogun State Police Command successfully recovered a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry after it was reported missing less than eight hours earlier. The vehicle, owned by an Indian resident of Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, was allegedly taken by his driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale, who had worked for the employer for two days before the incident.

When he informed his employer that he was transporting the car to a vulcaniser for a tire repair, Kolawale instead abandoned it. The stolen car was electronically located in the Ifo area and relayed to the DPO of the Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi. The operatives utilized surveillance and anti-robbery tactics to track the vehicle through multiple locations before apprehending it at a hotel in Ifo around 8:30 p.m. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi reported that the driver fled upon seeing the operatives, while one suspect, Monday Adetunji, was apprehended at the scene.

Initial investigations suggest the suspects planned to remove the catalytic converter, but the mechanic declined. The police emphasized their technology-driven and intelligence-based approach to law enforcement. Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised the Ifo operatives' rapid response, while urging vehicle owners to install trackers and anti-theft devices.

He also recommended that individuals verify drivers before entrusting their vehicles and that hotel staff maintain accurate records and report suspicious activities via the Gateway Shield toll-free line.