Operatives of the Ifo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have recovered a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry from a hotel in Ifo, less than eight hours after the vehicle was reported missing.
The police also arrested one suspect in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect who reportedly fled from the scene.
The vehicle, belonging to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, was allegedly stolen on September 9, 2026, by his driver, identified as Waidi Olaide Kolawale.
According to the police, Kolawale had been employed by the vehicle owner only two days before the incident.
He reportedly told his employer that he was taking the car to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a faulty tyre. However, instead of returning, the driver allegedly absconded with the vehicle.
Following the report, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo area in Ogun State. The information was immediately passed to the Divisional Police Officer of the Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi.
The DPO, according to the command, analysed the available intelligence and promptly deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives to track down the vehicle.
The operatives followed the vehicle’s movement through several locations before eventually locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30pm.
The police said that when the operatives arrived at the hotel, Kolawale sighted them and fled from the scene with the vehicle’s ignition key.
His alleged accomplice, identified as Monday Adetunji, was, however, arrested at the hotel.
Preliminary investigation by the police reportedly revealed that the suspects had approached a mechanic with the intention of removing the vehicle’s catalytic converter. The mechanic, however, allegedly declined to carry out the job.
The recovered Toyota Camry has since been handed back to its owner, while the police are intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect and determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
Confirming the development, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, advised vehicle owners to deploy reliable tracking devices and other anti-theft measures, including steering and tyre locks.
Babaseyi also urged members of the public to exercise caution when entrusting their vehicles, property and access to their homes or businesses to others, stressing that trust should be accompanied by proper due diligence.