Police nab car theft syndicate in Ondo

By Bukola Olamona
The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a three-man syndicate notorious for car theft in Akure.
This breakthrough followed swift action by law enforcement officers after a surge in reports of stolen vehicles within the metropolis.
Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Akure, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, detailed the operations leading to the suspects’ arrest.
“Two weeks ago, one of the stolen vehicles was brought to the licensing office for registration, and the police were promptly alerted,” he stated.
The suspect attempting to register the vehicle claimed to have purchased it in Lagos for ₦4,300,000 from a car dealer, identified as Temidayo Folajimi (43). This led the police to apprehend another accomplice, Rotimi Akinsanoye (38).
During interrogation, Rotimi confessed to masterminding the theft of multiple vehicles, admitting to stealing seven cars in total. He revealed that the stolen vehicles included:
Two Toyota Camry cars, popularly known as “tiny light.”
One Honda CRV.
Two Toyota Corolla models (2003 and 2005).
Rotimi also disclosed that five of the stolen cars were dismantled and sold as spare parts by his associate, Waheed Adekanbi (51), also known as “Elubo,” in Lagos. Two of the stolen vehicles have been recovered, while the remaining were destroyed.
CP Afolabi confirmed Waheed’s arrest and stated, “He is currently in custody, providing information to verify the claim that the remaining vehicles were dismantled and sold as spare parts.”
The commissioner also issued a stern warning against the use of tinted windows and obscured vehicle number plates, highlighting how criminals exploit these features.
“We strongly advise against the use of tinted glasses or covering vehicle plates. Anyone caught will be arrested, and their car impounded,”
CP Afolabi said, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to deter such crimes.
He further urged vehicle owners to install tracking devices or use advanced locks to secure their cars.
“If tracking devices are too expensive, a reliable car lock can serve as an effective alternative,” he noted.
The police chief concluded by calling on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to curb rising criminal activities in the state.