The Ondo State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against vehicle theft and trafficking of stolen automobiles following the recovery of a suspected stolen Toyota RAV4 and the arrest of a suspect in Akure, Ondo State.
The operation was carried out by operatives attached to the Fagun Division through an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing organized criminal activities across the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the operation was conducted on Monday, May 12, 2026, after the command received credible intelligence regarding an attempt to fraudulently register a Toyota RAV4 suspected to have been stolen.
Acting swiftly on the information, police operatives moved to the location for discreet monitoring and immediate intervention.
The suspect, identified as Ayodabo Temitope, 39, was reportedly arrested while attempting to process registration documents for the vehicle under suspicious circumstances. Following his arrest, detectives intensified investigations, which later led operatives to the Ifetedo area where the vehicle was eventually recovered.
Police investigations later revealed that the recovered Toyota RAV4 belonged to one Sanni Halilulai of Ireshe Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The owner was immediately contacted and confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from where it was parked on September 17, 2025. Authorities said the vehicle was subsequently secured while further investigations continued into possible alteration of vehicle particulars and the involvement of other suspected members of the criminal network.
The command disclosed that after proper verification of ownership documents and vehicle particulars, the Toyota RAV4 was released to its rightful owner. The suspect, however, remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The vehicle owner reportedly expressed appreciation to the police for their professionalism, swift response, and diligent efforts that led to the successful recovery of the vehicle.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in the operation. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention across Ondo State.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support and strategic leadership, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in the fight against crime.
