Ondo police nab suspected car thief, recover stolen vehicle

The Ondo State Police Command says it has arrested a 39-year-old suspected car thief, Ayodabo Temitope, and recovered a stolen vehicle linked to him in the Ifetedo area of Akure.
Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday that the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Fagun division, Akure, on May 12, 2026.
“The operation, which was intelligence-driven, was carried out on Monday, 12th May 2026, after the command received credible information concerning a suspicious attempt to register a Toyota RAV4 believed to have been stolen,” he said.
According to him, operatives immediately mobilised to the location for discreet monitoring and prompt intervention.
“The suspect, later identified as Ayodabo Temitope (male), aged 39 years, was apprehended while allegedly attempting to process registration documentation for the vehicle under suspicious circumstances.
Mr Jimoh added that detectives commenced preliminary interrogation following the arrest.
“Investigation subsequently led operatives to the Ifetedo area where the vehicle was successfully recovered,” he added.
According to the police spokesperson, further investigation revealed that the recovered Toyota RAV4 belongs to Sanni Halilulai of Ireshe Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
“The owner was immediately contacted and he confirmed that the vehicle had earlier been stolen from where it was parked on 17th September 2025,” he said.
Mr Jimoh said the vehicle had been secured while investigation continued to determine the circumstances surrounding the theft, possible alteration of the vehicle’s particulars and the involvement of other members of the suspected criminal network.
He stated that after proper verification of ownership documents, the recovered vehicle had been released to its owner.
According to him, the suspect remains in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“The owner of the vehicle, while taking possession of the recovered Toyota RAV4, expressed profound appreciation to the Ondo State Police Command for the swift response, professionalism, and diligent efforts of the operatives involved in the recovery operation,” Mr Jimoh added.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Anti-Corruption
Gbajabiamila back to office after ICPC grilled him over N400 million PFIPC bribery: Lawyer
Mr Adeyemi was arrested shortly after the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court last Tuesday issued a warrant for his arrest.

Heading 2
Kano begins second round of maternal, neonatal tetanus elimination campaign
He said the teams vaccinated 1,339,871 women out of the 1,388,396 targeted.

Abuja
FRSC launches operation ‘Sauka Lafiya’ to curb road crashes in FCT, Niger
FRSC deployed 3,339 personnel, 69 patrol vehicles, 18 ambulances, four tow trucks and 24 motorcycles.

Lagos
Lagos council inducts 156 financial inclusion experts
The chairman urged the inductees to use the digital devices provided to them with integrity.

Heading 1
FCCPC resumes implementation of digital lending regulations
WASPAN had challenged the Commission’s authority to issue and implement the DEON Regulations.

Heading 5
Lagos seeks stronger ties with Turkey to boost investment opportunities
Mr Hamzat described the longstanding relationship between Lagos and Turkish firms as productive.





