The police command in Ogun has arrested a suspected vehicle theft kingpin, Mosuru Issa, 28, and recovered a stolen Toyota Camry in Mowe.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Oluseyi Bababeji, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta.

Mr Babaseyi said operatives of the Mowe Division arrested Issa during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He said the operatives, while conducting a routine patrol at about 7:30 a.m. on September 11, flagged down the wine-coloured Toyota Camry for a security check.

According to him, the three occupants suddenly abandoned the vehicle and fled in different directions on sighting the police.

“The police operatives immediately pursued them, which resulted in the arrest of Issa, while the stolen vehicle was secured and recovered.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was allegedly stolen on Sept. 7 from where it was parked in Ojoo, Lagos State,” he said.

He added that the suspect, who resides on Osungboye Street, Agege, in Lagos, was allegedly among those involved in the theft.

Mr Babaseyi said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

He added that efforts were ongoing to locate the owner of the vehicle and apprehend the fleeing accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response.

Mr Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and sustained operations to protect lives and property and disrupt vehicle theft, highway crime and other criminal activities across the state.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line: 0800 000 9111.

The commissioner also advised vehicle owners to adopt basic security measures, including the use of tyre locks, steering locks and other appropriate anti-theft devices, especially when parking in public or unsecured locations.

(NAN)