Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a fleeing trailer driver and four other suspects over the alleged theft and dismantling of a stolen trailer, uncovering what police described as a suspected syndicate which specialises in stripping stolen trailers and selling their parts.
The suspects, identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47; Segun Suleiman, 27; Haruna Olaogun, 49; Jimoh Wasiu, 42; and Quazzim Suleiman, 49, were arrested by detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Headquarters for alleged conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, the arrests followed a complaint by the owner of the trailer that his driver had disappeared with the vehicle on June 6, this year.
Babaseyi said detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Olabisi Kamorudeen, tracked the fleeing driver and arrested him in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
He said the suspect allegedly provided information that led investigators to other members of the criminal network.
Police operatives also arrested four additional suspects in Ijebu Ode for their alleged involvement in the theft and dismantling of the trailer.
Police said parts of the stolen trailer, including the trailer head, have been recovered, while photographs of the dismantled vehicle have been documented as exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their efforts, noting that the operation represents a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft.
He urged transport operators, fleet owners, logistics companies and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the police, assuring residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to protect lives and property.
Police said investigations were ongoing and that suspects found culpable would be arraigned.