The police command in Edo has arrested suspected car thieves and recovered stolen vehicles during a stop-and-search operation along Siluko Road in Benin City.

According to a statement on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, operatives attached to the Textile Mill Road Division intercepted a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus on June 22 during a routine stop-and-search operation.

“On 22nd June, 2026, officers on routine stop-and-search duty at a checkpoint along Siluko Road, Benin City, intercepted a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, ash in colour, with registration number GBZ 646 YK, Edo state,” she said.

Ms Ikoedem said preliminary checks revealed that the vehicle’s registration documents presented by the driver were forged.

“Further investigation disclosed that the vehicle belongs to Dr Timothy Etinosa, who had earlier given the vehicle to one Emmanuel Afolayan on a hire-purchase agreement,” she added.

She explained that Emmanuel Afolayan allegedly absconded with the vehicle in 2024, forged its documents and later sold it.

“The driver of the vehicle, one Ezikiel Aguele, male, aged 46 years, was arrested. During interrogation, he led operatives to the arrest of the principal suspect, Emmanuel Afolayan, and the recovery of another vehicle which was similarly stolen.

“The suspects have confessed to the offence and will be charged upon the conclusion of investigations,” she said.

Ms Ikoedem urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to aid efforts to combat crime and criminality across the state.