- Agency Report
The Ondo State Police Command says it has burst a car theft syndicate and recovered a repainted stolen car valued N10 million at Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, made this known on Thursday in a statement, saying the vehicle was repainted from its original golden colour to blue.
Ayanlade, who said that a case of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, and stealing was reported at Osi Area, Akure on July 18 at about 4:00 a.m, explained that the stolen vehicle belonged to one Madam Akomolafe Bolanle.
According to him, some unknown persons unlawfully gained access into the apartment of Bolanle which had no burglary proof and stole the key to her unregistered Toyota Camry (muscle golden colour, 2010 model) and other valuable items.
“Following diligent investigation and intelligence-led policing, operatives of the command’s Surveillance Team, acting on credible information, successfully recovered the vehicle on Sept.7, 2025 in Owo.
“The car had been repainted from its original golden colour to blue and concealed in the apartment of one Fagbote Micheal Olamilekan ‘m’.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed that he bought the vehicle from one Adewumi (surname unknown), now at large, at the rate of N4 million.
“The vehicle was previously purchased by the rightful owner on Dec. 26, 2024, at the rate of N10 million.
“Further investigations revealed that the suspect conspired with a painter who has been positively identified but is currently at large, and who aided in changing the vehicle’s colour in an attempt to conceal its true identity.
“Both the painter and the seller of the stolen vehicle are actively being pursued by the police and will be brought to justice,” he said.
The spokesperson, therefore, cautioned all automotive artisans, including painters, panel beaters, rewire technicians, and mechanics to exercise due diligence.
Ayanlade advised them to verify ownership of documents before undertaking repainting, reconfiguration or major works on vehicles.
According to him, any artisan who collaborates, knowingly or otherwise, in tampering with stolen vehicles will be treated as an accomplice and will face the full weight of the law.
He, however, said that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplices and dismantle the entire criminal network behind the theft.
“The State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal commends the gallant officers of the command for their professionalism, resilience and the Inspector-General of Police for his visionary leadership and unwavering support to enhance operational effectiveness in the state.
“The command reassures the good people of Ondo State of its steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property,
“It also urges members of the public to continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime,” Ayanlade said. NAN