— Stolen vehicle recovered in Abuja
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
A robbery suspect, Ojodi Esiah, has been arrested for allegedly drugging the owner of a vehicle, Tunde Olubode, and stealing his car in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The stolen Toyota Corolla was later recovered in Abuja.
A police source told Vanguard that the suspect had hired the vehicle under the guise of attending to a business engagement within Akure metropolis.
“While in the Agbogbo area of the city, the suspect deceitfully induced the vehicle owner to take alcohol laced with a sedative, causing him to fall into a deep sleep,” the source said.
“Taking advantage of the situation, he absconded with the vehicle.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the victim’s prompt report enabled the command to immediately launch a discreet, intelligence- and technology-led operation to trace and recover the stolen car.
Through coordinated efforts and strong collaboration between the Ondo State Police Command and the FCT Police Command, operatives tracked the vehicle to the Gbangbalada area of Abuja.
“Acting on the intelligence, the suspect was arrested, and the vehicle was successfully recovered,” Ayanlade said.
“Subsequently, both the suspect and the recovered vehicle were brought back to Akure, where he remains in custody as further investigations continue.”
He added that the operation underscored the command’s determination to track offenders across jurisdictions.
“Regardless of where criminals who commit offences in Ondo State may flee, the Ondo State Police Command will locate and bring them to justice,” he stated.
Ayanlade noted that the suspect is cooperating with investigators to facilitate additional recoveries and assist in efforts to dismantle related criminal networks.
He commended the officers involved for their professionalism, diligence, and swift response, describing the success as a demonstration of the command’s renewed commitment to proactive policing.
The police spokesperson also reaffirmed the command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention efforts.
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