The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered two stolen vehicles in separate operations carried out in Benin City.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that one of the vehicles was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation, while the second was recovered during subsequent investigations.
According to the statement, officers attached to the Textile Mill Road Division stopped a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, ash in colour, with registration number GBZ 646 YK, along Siluko Road on June 22.
Preliminary checks revealed that the vehicle’s documents had been forged.
“On 22nd June, 2026, officers on routine stop-and-search duty at a checkpoint along Siluko Road, Benin City, intercepted a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, ash in colour, with registration number GBZ 646 YK, Edo State. Preliminary checks on the vehicle revealed that the particulars presented by the driver were forged,” the statement read.
Investigations showed that the vehicle belonged to Dr. Timothy Etinosa, who had given it to one Emmanuel Afolayan under a hire-purchase arrangement.
The police said Afolayan allegedly disappeared with the vehicle in 2024, forged its documents and later sold it.
The driver, identified as 46-year-old Ezikiel Aguele, was arrested and reportedly assisted investigators in tracking down Afolayan and recovering another vehicle allegedly stolen in a similar manner.
“The driver of the vehicle, one Ezikiel Aguele, male, aged 46 years, was arrested. During interrogation, he led operatives to the arrest of the principal suspect, Emmanuel Afolayan, and the recovery of another vehicle which was similarly stolen.
“The suspects have confessed to the offence and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism, describing stop-and-search operations as an effective tool for preventing and detecting crime.
He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with credible information to help tackle criminal activities across the state.
