Police nab vehicle theft suspect in Ogun, recover stolen car

Operatives from the Mowe Division of Ogun State Police have arrested a suspected vehicle theft kingpin, Mosuru Issa, 28. They also recovered a stolen wine-coloured Toyota Camry during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the spokesperson for the state police command, shared this news in a statement to journalists on Saturday.

Babaseyi said, “At about 7:30 am on 11 September 2026, the operatives were on routine patrol and stop-and-search along the Mowe axis. They flagged down the vehicle for a security check.

The three people inside the car saw the police and quickly jumped out, running in different directions. This raised suspicion. The operatives chased after them, leading to the arrest of Mosuru Issa from Osungboye Street, Agege, Lagos State. The stolen car was secured and recovered.”

He explained that initial investigations showed that the vehicle was stolen on 7 September 2026 from where it was parked in Ojo, Lagos State.

Babaseyi mentioned that the incident highlights the need for proactive policing, regular patrols, and lawful stop-and-search operations. These efforts help to detect crime, recover stolen items, and stop criminals from using Ogun's roads as escape routes.

He added that they are still working to find the owner of the vehicle and catch the other suspects who fled. The case has been sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the operatives for their watchfulness, professionalism, and quick action.

Ojajuni assured the public that the command is committed to proactive policing. They will keep working to protect lives and property, tackle vehicle theft, highway crime, and other criminal activities across the state.

The police also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities. They can call the Gateway Shield toll-free line at 0800 000 9111, or the emergency numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.

Vehicle owners are advised to use basic security measures. They should use tyre locks, steering locks, and other anti-theft devices, especially when parking in public or unsecured areas.