OGUN POLICE ARREST DRIVER, GUARANTOR OVER VEHICLE THEFT, FOIL SMUGGLING ATTEMPT

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Operatives of the Idiroko Division of the Ogun State Police Command have thwarted an attempted cross-border vehicle trafficking operation, arresting two suspects and recovering a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus belonging to a company.

The suspects, Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were arrested on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the bus was declared stolen from Lagos.

He noted that Seun, the company’s driver, and his guarantor, Ademola, conspired to steal and smuggle the bus into the Benin Republic.

The statement reads: “The operation was based on credible intelligence received at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026, indicating that the suspects had positioned the said vehicle at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it across the international border under false pretence.

Acting on the intelligence received, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo quickly mobilised and led a surveillance team to the scene, where operatives intercepted the suspects while they were attempting to carry out the cross-border movement.

The police spokesperson said the operatives immobilised the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres, preventing the suspects from escaping across the border.

Preliminary investigation reportedly showed that the driver, Seun Lawal, conspired with his guarantor, Ademola Oriyomi, to steal the vehicle and sell it in the Benin Republic. The suspects were said to have admitted that the proceeds were intended to support their relocation after the illegal deal.

Babaseyi stated that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover possible links to broader cross-border vehicle theft syndicates.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance and tactical precision of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the operatives of the Idiroko Division.

The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border security operations and sustained efforts aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within Ogun State and its border corridors.

He also called on members of the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities or movements promptly to the relevant security agencies.