By Our Reporter
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a fleeing trailer driver, and uncovered a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly involved in dismantling stolen trailers and selling their parts.
The operation, carried out by detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Headquarters, also led to the recovery of parts of a stolen trailer, including its trailer head.
The suspects were identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47, the fleeing driver, alongside Segun Suleiman, 27, Haruna Olaogun, 49, Jimoh Wasiu, 42, and Quazzim Suleiman, 49. They are being investigated for alleged conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation began after the owner of the trailer reported at the Ifo Divisional Headquarters that his driver had absconded with the vehicle on June 6, 2026. Efforts to locate the driver and recover the trailer had proved unsuccessful before the matter was reported to the police.
Following the complaint, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, launched an intelligence-led investigation and deployed technical resources to trace the suspect.
Police said that on July 24, 2026, detectives tracked and arrested Odulaja in Ikorodu, Lagos State, based on credible intelligence. His arrest reportedly provided vital information that led investigators to other members of the alleged criminal network.
The following day, detectives extended the operation to Ijebu-Ode, where the four other suspects were arrested at different locations for their alleged involvement in the crime.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stolen trailer had allegedly been dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with its components unlawfully disposed of. Detectives recovered parts of the trailer, including the trailer head, while photographs of the dismantled vehicle were taken as exhibits.
The police said ongoing investigations have uncovered a suspected trailer-dismantling syndicate, with efforts continuing to recover the remaining parts of the stolen trailer, identify other members of the network and determine the full scope of its operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their professionalism, diligence and intelligence-driven approach, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft and related crimes.
Ojajuni said the arrest of the fleeing driver, the apprehension of his alleged accomplices, the recovery of parts of the stolen trailer and the exposure of the suspected syndicate demonstrate the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its determination to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
He urged transport operators, fleet owners, logistics companies and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the police.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and proactive policing strategies to safeguard lives and property while ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that all suspects found culpable will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
