Ogun police arrest driver, guarantor for vehicle theft, foil smuggling attempt

Operatives attached to the Idiroko Division of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled a cross-border vehicle trafficking attempt, arrested two suspects and recovered a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus belonging to a company.

The suspects, Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were arrested on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the bus was declared stolen from Lagos.

He noted that Seun, the company’s driver, and his guarantor, Ademola, conspired to steal and smuggle the bus into the Benin Republic.

The statement reads: “The operation was based on credible intelligence received at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026, indicating that the suspects had positioned the said vehicle at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it across the international border under false pretence.

“Acting swiftly on the information, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo mobilised and led a surveillance team to the location, where operatives intercepted the suspects in the course of executing the cross-border movement.”

According to the police spokesperson, the operatives demobilised the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres, effectively immobilising it and preventing its escape across the border.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Seun Lawal, a driver, conspired with Ademola Oriyomi, his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the Benin Republic. The suspects admitted that the proceeds were intended to facilitate their relocation after the illegal transaction,” he added.

Babaseyi stated that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover possible links to broader cross-border vehicle theft syndicates.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance and tactical precision of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the operatives of the Idiroko Division.

The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border security operations and sustained efforts aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within Ogun State and its border corridors.

Meanwhile, he urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Ogun police arrest driver, guarantor for vehicle theft, foil smuggling attempt