Police arrest fleeing driver, four others over stolen truck
Police in Ogun State Arrest Driver and Four Accomplices in Trailer Theft Case
Detectives from the Ifo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have apprehended a truck driver and four additional suspects in connection with conspiracy, theft, and the possession of stolen property.
The suspects include 47-year-old Temitope Odulaja, the truck driver, along with Segun Suleiman, 27; Haruna Olaogun, 49; Jimoh Wasiu, 42; and Quazzim Suleiman, 49.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Monday, detailing that the investigation also led to the recovery of several parts from the stolen trailer, as well as the exposure of a suspected syndicate involved in dismantling stolen vehicles.
The investigation began after the owner of the trailer filed a complaint at the Ifo Divisional Headquarters. The owner reported that his driver had absconded with the vehicle on June 6, 2026, and that attempts to locate him had failed.
Following the complaint, detectives led by CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen initiated an intelligence-led probe, employing technical methods to trace the suspect. On July 24, 2026, police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, tracked Odulaja to Ikorodu, Lagos State, where he was arrested.
Babaseyi noted that Odulaja provided crucial information that aided the ongoing investigation, leading detectives to Ijebu-Ode on July 29, where the other four suspects were arrested at various locations for their alleged involvement in the scheme.
Preliminary findings indicate that the stolen trailer was dismantled shortly after the theft, with its components unlawfully sold. Detectives have recovered parts of the trailer, which have been documented as evidence.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to recover the remaining parts of the trailer and identify additional members of the syndicate to understand the full scope of their activities.
Babaseyi assured the public that the investigation remains active, and all individuals found responsible will face prosecution under the law. He also shared a statement from Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, who commended the detectives for their professionalism and described the operation as a significant step forward in combating organized vehicle theft.
The Commissioner urged transport operators, fleet owners, logistics companies, and the community at large to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, vehicles, or activities to law enforcement.
