Ogun Police Arrest Driver and Guarantor in Vehicle Theft, Stop Smuggling Attempt

Police in the Idiroko Division of the Ogun State Police Command intercepted a cross‑border vehicle smuggling plot, arrested two suspects, and recovered a stolen 28‑seater Toyota Coaster bus that had been taken from a company.

The suspects, Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were taken into custody on Friday.

In a statement released on Saturday, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the bus had been declared stolen in Lagos. He said that Lawal, the company’s driver, and Oriyomi, his guarantor, had colluded to steal the vehicle and move it 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 spokesperson, the team disabled the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres, thereby preventing it from escaping 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 said the suspects remain in custody while investigators continue to probe possible links to wider cross‑border vehicle‑theft syndicates.

Commissioner of Police for Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the professionalism, vigilance and tactical precision of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the Idiroko Division operatives. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border‑security operations and sustained efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action within Ogun State and its border corridors.

Ojajuni also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.