On September 12, 2025, the Ondo State Police Command in Nigeria announced the bust of a car theft syndicate operating primarily in Akure, the state capital. The operation, led by the Command’s Surveillance Team, resulted in the recovery of a stolen and repainted Toyota Camry (2010 model, “Muscle” variant) and the arrest of a key suspect involved in its purchase. The syndicate specialized in breaking into residential compounds to steal vehicles, often targeting those without adequate security like burglary proofs. This development highlights ongoing efforts to combat vehicle theft in the region, with police emphasizing intelligence-led policing. The announcement was made via a statement from Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Olayinka Ayanlade (also reported as Olushola Ayanlade in some sources).
Details of the Theft and Recovery
- Theft Incident: The vehicle, originally a golden-colored, unregistered Toyota Camry owned by Madam Akomolafe Bolanle, was stolen from her apartment in Akure. Thieves unlawfully entered the premises (which lacked burglary proofs), took the keys, and drove away with the car along with other valuables. The exact date of the theft was not specified in reports, but it occurred prior to the recovery.
- Recovery Process: Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives tracked the vehicle to Owo in the Owo Local Government Area on September 7, 2025. There, they discovered the car had been repainted from its original golden color to blue to disguise its identity and was hidden in an apartment. The recovery was part of a broader investigation into the syndicate’s activities.
- Value and Sale: The stolen Camry was sold by members of the syndicate to the arrested buyer for N4 million (approximately $2,400 USD at current exchange rates). Some reports estimate the vehicle’s market value at around N10 million, underscoring the syndicate’s exploitative practices.
Arrests and Suspects
- Primary Arrest: Fagbote Michael Olamilekan (also spelled Fagbote Micheal Olamilekan in some reports) was arrested in possession of the repainted vehicle at his apartment in Owo. He confessed to purchasing the car for N4 million from a suspect identified only as Adewumi, who remains at large and is now a fugitive.
- Other Links: Investigators have connected the repainting to a local automotive painter who has also fled. One report mentions a 56-year-old beer parlor operator, Ayo Akinpelu, being arrested in relation to the case, though details on his specific role are unclear and may refer to an associated individual. No other syndicate members were named in the primary reports, but police indicated ongoing efforts to apprehend additional suspects.
- Syndicate Operations: The group targeted vehicles in home compounds across Akure, using methods like scaling fences and breaking into apartments. This bust follows similar operations earlier in 2025, such as a May inter-state syndicate arrest involving a N12 million Toyota Camry sold for N700,000 and a January bust of a three-man group stealing multiple Toyotas.
Police Response and Warnings
The Ondo State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police (CP) Abayomi Oladimeji, reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property. Key messages from the statement include:
- Warning to Artisans: Automotive workers such as painters, panel beaters, rewire technicians, and mechanics must verify vehicle ownership documents before performing modifications like repainting or major repairs. Failure to do so could lead to arrests for aiding theft.
- Advice to Vehicle Owners: Install security measures like anti-theft devices, pedal locks, trackers, and burglary proofs. Avoid using tinted glasses or covering license plates, as violators will face arrest and vehicle impoundment.
- Broader Commitment: The command is intensifying patrols and intelligence gathering to dismantle similar syndicates, especially those operating inter-state.
Public and Media Reaction
As of September 14, 2025, coverage has been primarily through Nigerian news outlets like Linda Ikeji’s Blog, Daily Post Nigeria, and Information NG, with reports published between September 11–12, 2025. On X (formerly Twitter), discussions are limited but include shares from news handles like @dailypost_ng and @Adaba889fm, focusing on the recovery and syndicate bust without significant user engagement (e.g., low likes and views). No widespread public outcry or debates were noted, suggesting the story is still emerging.
Broader Context
Vehicle theft syndicates are a persistent issue in Nigeria, particularly in states like Ondo due to porous borders and demand for stolen parts or resold cars. This incident aligns with a pattern of police successes in 2025, including recoveries of multiple vehicles in earlier busts. The emphasis on due diligence for mechanics aims to disrupt the aftermarket support for such crimes. The stolen vehicle has been returned to its owner, Madam Akomolafe Bolanle, pending further proceedings.
Investigations are ongoing, with police urging the public to provide tips via hotlines. For the latest updates, check official Ondo State Police channels or reliable news sources. If you’d like more details, such as images of the vehicle (if available) or related cases, let me know!