The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a fleeing trailer driver and four other suspects over the alleged theft and dismantling of a trailer, uncovering what investigators described as a criminal syndicate involved in stealing 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).
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation began after the trailer owner reported on June 6, 2026, that his driver had disappeared with the vehicle and all efforts to locate him had failed.
“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.
Following the complaint, detectives from the Ifo Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, launched an intelligence-led investigation. On July 24, the fleeing driver was tracked down and arrested in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Police said the suspect provided useful information that led detectives to Ijebu-Ode, where four more suspects were arrested on July 25 over their alleged involvement in dismantling the stolen trailer and disposing of its parts.
Investigators said preliminary findings revealed that the trailer was dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with its components allegedly sold through an organised network.
“Detectives have recovered parts of the stolen trailer, including the trailer head. The investigation has further uncovered a suspected trailer-dismantling syndicate, and efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining parts and arrest other members of the group,” the police stated.
The command said investigations are still ongoing and assured that all suspects found culpable would be charged to court.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft in the state.
“The arrest of the fleeing trailer driver, the recovery of parts of the stolen trailer, and the uncovering of the suspected trailer-dismantling syndicate underscore the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and dismantling criminal networks,” Ojajuni said.
He also urged transport operators, logistics companies and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
Source: Ogun State Police Command.
