By Our Reporter
Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious inter-state car-snatching syndicate following the arrest of four suspected members, including the alleged mastermind behind a spate of vehicle thefts that plagued the state.
The breakthrough, achieved by the Tactical Intelligence Squad (TIS), led to the recovery of three stolen vehicles, marking a significant victory in the fight against organised car crime.
Central to the operation was the arrest and confession of 32-year-old Afolabi Emmanuel, who admitted to stealing a 2016 model Toyota Camry from the residence of one Amokun Victor in Oka-Akoko.
The suspect reportedly scaled the fence, broke into the apartment, looted valuables, and made off with the vehicle, which was later sold through an accomplice in Ogori-Magongo, Kogi State.
Shockingly, the car, valued at N12 million, was disposed of for a mere N700,000.
Further investigation by the police unearthed two additional vehicles linked to the syndicate, including a Toyota Sienna with a market value of N6 million, which had been sold for N4 million.
These findings suggest that the gang had orchestrated multiple thefts across Ondo State, targeting unsuspecting residents and swiftly offloading stolen vehicles far below their market worth.
Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi, who paraded the suspects in Akure, described the arrests as a major blow to the criminal enterprise.
He revealed that Emmanuel, though residing in Lagos, often visited Akungba-Akoko where his father lives, using the visits as opportunities to scout potential victims before carrying out the thefts.
“These suspects have been a menace, instilling fear in residents and dispossessing them of their hard-earned belongings. Their arrest is a significant blow to the network of criminals operating across state lines,” said CP Afolabi.
He also issued a stern warning to vehicle owners, advising them to invest in anti-theft measures such as pedal locks and GPS trackers to safeguard their vehicles against similar attacks.
