Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested five suspects for allegedly stealing and dismantling a stolen trailer, uncovering what police described as a criminal syndicate involved 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 from the Ifo Divisional Headquarters over alleged conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen property.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation began after the trailer owner reported that his driver disappeared with the vehicle on June 6, 2026. After unsuccessful efforts to recover the trailer, the matter was reported to the police.
Detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, launched an intelligence-led operation and tracked the fleeing driver to Ikorodu, Lagos State, where Odulaja was arrested on July 24.
Police said information obtained during interrogation led to the arrest of four additional suspects in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the following day.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stolen trailer had allegedly been dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with its parts sold through the suspected syndicate. Police recovered parts of the trailer, including the trailer head, while documenting the dismantled vehicle as evidence.
The Ogun State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining parts, identify other members of the syndicate, and determine the full scope of its operations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their professionalism, describing the operation as a major breakthrough against organised vehicle theft.
He urged transport operators, logistics companies, fleet owners, and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations would continue to safeguard lives and property.
Police said all suspects found culpable will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
