Gang sold N12m Toyota Camry for N700,000 — CP

By Bukola Olamona

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended four suspected members of a notorious inter-state car-snatching syndicate and recovered three stolen vehicles in a major operation executed by its Tactical Intelligence Squad (TIS).

The breakthrough followed the arrest and confession of the alleged ringleader, 32-year old Afolabi Emmanuel, who reportedly stole a 2016 model Toyota Camry from the residence of one Amokun Victor in Oka-Akoko and disposed it of  through an accomplice in Ogori-Magongo, Kogi State.

Parading the suspects in Akure, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed that the stolen Camry, with a market value of N12 million, was sold for a paltry N700,000.

He said, “The suspect confessed to scaling the fence of the victim’s compound, breaking into the apartment, carting away valuables and eventually driving off with the vehicle.”

Further investigations, according to the police boss, led to the recovery of two more vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna worth N6 million, which had been sold for N4 million. He noted that the gang was responsible for a string of vehicle thefts across the state.

CP Afolabi revealed that the ringleader is based in Lagos, but frequently visited Akungba-Akoko, where his father resides.

It was during these visits that he allegedly identified potential targets before launching the theft operations.

“These suspects have been a menace, instilling fear in residents and dispossessing them of their hard-earned belongings. Their arrest is a significant blow to the network of criminals operating across state lines,” the police commissioner stated.

He urged vehicle owners to take precautions by installing anti-theft devices such as pedal locks and trackers.

“We remain committed to the protection of lives and property in Ondo State. Our goal is to ensure that citizens can sleep soundly at night without fear,” he said.

The police have intensified efforts to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate as investigations continue.