Two suspects connected to the theft of a Toyota Camry stolen in Lagos have been apprehended by the Kwara State Police Command. The vehicle, bearing registration number APP 443 CX, was discovered at a spare parts dealer’s shop in the busy Ipata Oloje in Ilorin, the state capital. Acting on intelligence report, the suspects were arrests on Friday, November 22, 2024.
The car, which had been reported missing in Lagos State, was located by detectives acting on credible information, leading to the arrest of the two suspects. According to DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, the suspects, Gabiyu Lawal, 43, and Ademola Waheed, 45, were taken into custody around 6:00 PM.
One Mr. Ajibade Abel, a resident of Badagry Road, Lagos, was identified as the owner of the vehicle after officers discovered a GSM number inside the car during the investigation. Upon contact, Mr. Ajibade confirmed that the car had been stolen from a parking lot in Lagos and reported the incident to the Area C Police Command in Surulere. Effective coordination between the Lagos and Kwara police teams proved instrumental in tracking the stolen vehicle to Ilorin..
The suspects admitted during interrogation that they purchased the car for ₦400,000, a price well below its market value. Their plan was to resell the vehicle in Ilorin for ₦1,000,000, doubling their profit. Investigators are now probing deeper to uncover any other individuals involved in the theft or illegal car trafficking network.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr. Victor Olaiya, expressed gratitude to members of the public for their vigilance, which provided the vital lead that unraveled the case. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies in combating crime and ensuring safety across the state.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to dismantle any larger syndicates tied to the operation. The case serves as a testament to the effectiveness of community-police partnerships in addressing criminal activities while bolstering security measures in Kwara and beyond.
