Date: 11th September, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Ondo Police Bust Car Theft Syndicate, Recover Repainted Toyota Camry in Owo.
The Ondo State Police Command, under the proactive leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, and in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has once again recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against crime in the State.
On the 18th day of July, 2025, at about 4:00 a.m., a case of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, and stealing was reported at Osi Area, in Akure (Akure North LGA).
According to the complainant, Madam Akomolafe Bolanle ‘f’, some unknown persons unlawfully gained access into her apartment, which had no burglary proof, stole the key to her Toyota Camry (Muzzle, Golden Colour, 2010 Model, Unregistered), and carted away the said vehicle along with other valuable items.
Following diligent investigation and intelligence-led policing, operatives of the Command Surveillance Team, acting on credible information, successfully recovered the vehicle on the 7th of September, 2025, in Owo, where it had been repainted from its original golden colour to blue and concealed in the apartment of one Fagbote Micheal Olamilekan ‘m’.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed that he bought the vehicle from one Adewumi (surname unknown), now at large, at the rate of ₦4 million, despite the vehicle having been previously purchased by the rightful owner on 26th December, 2024, at the rate of ₦10 million.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect conspired with a painter who has been positively identified but is currently at large, and who aided in changing the vehicle’s colour in an attempt to conceal its true identity. Both the painter and the seller of the stolen vehicle are actively being pursued by the police and will be brought to justice.
The Command seizes this opportunity to strongly caution all automotive artisans, including painters, panel beaters, rewire technicians, and mechanics, to exercise due diligence and verify ownership documents before undertaking repainting, reconfiguration, or major works on vehicles. Any artisan who collaborates, knowingly or otherwise, in tampering with stolen vehicles will be treated as an accomplice and will face the full weight of the law.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplices and dismantle the entire criminal network behind the theft. The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, commends the gallant officers of the Command for their professionalism and resilience, while also appreciating the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, which continue to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Ondo State Police Command.
The Command reassures the good people of Ondo State of its steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and urges members of the public to continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
