The Ogun State Police Command has arrested an absconding trailer driver and four other suspects over the alleged theft and dismantling of a trailer, uncovering what authorities described as a suspected criminal syndicate involved in dismantling stolen trailers and disposing of their parts.
The suspects were identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47; Segun Suleiman, 27; Haruna Olaogun, 49; Jimoh Wasiu, 42; and Quazzim Suleiman, 49.
According to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation began after the owner of the trailer reported that his driver had allegedly absconded with the vehicle on June 6, 2026.
Following the complaint, detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, launched an intelligence driven investigation and deployed technical resources to trace the suspect and the stolen vehicle.
The police said detectives eventually arrested the fleeing driver, Odulaja, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on July 24.
According to the Command, the suspect provided information that helped investigators uncover the alleged criminal network and trace other suspects connected to the operation.
The investigation subsequently led detectives to Ijebu Ode, where four additional suspects were arrested at different locations on July 25 over their alleged involvement in the criminal operation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the stolen trailer had allegedly been dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with some of its parts sold or otherwise unlawfully disposed of.
Police detectives recovered parts of the stolen vehicle, including the trailer head, while photographs of the dismantled trailer were also taken as exhibits.
The Command said investigations had uncovered a suspected trailer dismantling syndicate and that efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining parts of the vehicle, identify and arrest other members of the alleged network and determine the full extent of its activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, described the arrests and recovery as a major breakthrough in the Command’s fight against organised vehicle theft and related crimes.
He commended the detectives for the operation and said the development demonstrated the Command’s commitment to intelligence led policing and its determination to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating in the state.
The Commissioner urged transport operators, fleet owners, logistics companies and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the police.
The Command said investigations were ongoing and assured that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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