Detectives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested an absconding trailer driver and four other suspects over the alleged theft and dismantling of a trailer, uncovering what police described as a criminal syndicate specialising in stripping stolen trailers and selling their parts.
The suspects were identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47; Segun Suleiman, 27; Haruna Olaogun, 49; Jimoh Wasiu, 42; and Quazzim Suleiman, 49.
The operation, carried out by detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Headquarters, also led to the recovery of parts of the stolen trailer, including its trailer head, while investigations revealed a network allegedly involved in dismantling stolen trailers and disposing of their components.
According to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation began after the trailer owner reported that his driver had disappeared with the vehicle on June 6, 2026.
“The owner reported at the Ifo Divisional headquarters that his driver had absconded with the trailer, and all efforts made to trace both the driver and the vehicle proved unsuccessful,” Babaseyi said.
He explained that detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, immediately launched an intelligence-driven investigation, deploying technical resources to track the suspect.
Babaseyi said the fleeing driver, Odulaja, was traced and arrested in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on July 24.
“Following his arrest, he provided useful information that significantly advanced the investigation,” he stated.
The investigation later led detectives to Ijebu-Ode, where four additional suspects were arrested at different locations on July 25 over their alleged roles in the operation.
Police said preliminary findings showed that the trailer had been dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with its parts allegedly sold or unlawfully disposed of.
“Detectives have recovered parts of the stolen trailer, including the trailer head, while photographs of the dismantled trailer have been taken as exhibits,” the statement said.
“The investigation has further uncovered a suspected trailer-dismantling syndicate, and efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining parts of the trailer, identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of its activities, and recover additional exhibits.”
The command said investigations are ongoing and assured that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted.
“Investigation is ongoing, and all persons found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation will be charged to court in accordance with the law,” Babaseyi added.
Commending the detectives, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the command’s efforts to combat organised vehicle theft.
“The arrest of the fleeing trailer driver, the subsequent arrest of his accomplices, the recovery of parts of the stolen trailer, and the uncovering of the suspected trailer-dismantling syndicate underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing and its determination to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks operating within Ogun State,” the commissioner said.
Ojajuni 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.
He assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property while ensuring criminal elements are brought to justice.
