The Ogun State Police Command has arrested an absconding trailer driver and four other suspects over the alleged theft and dismantling of a stolen trailer, uncovering what investigators believe is a criminal syndicate specializing in stripping stolen trailers for parts.
The suspects, identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47, Segun Suleiman, 27, Haruna Olaogun, 49, Jimoh Wasiu, 42, and Quazzim Suleiman, 49, were arrested by detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Headquarters during an intelligence-led operation that also resulted in the recovery of the trailer head and other components of the stolen vehicle.
Police said the investigation began after the trailer owner reported that his driver had disappeared with the vehicle on June 6, 2026.
Following the complaint, detectives under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, launched a technical and intelligence-driven investigation to track down the missing driver.
The breakthrough came on July 24 when detectives traced and arrested Odulaja in Ikorodu, Lagos State. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided information that led investigators to other members of the alleged syndicate.
A day later, police extended the operation to Ijebu-Ode, where four additional suspects were arrested at different locations for their alleged roles in dismantling and disposing of the stolen trailer.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that the trailer was dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with its parts allegedly sold off. Detectives have recovered the trailer head and other components, while photographs of the dismantled vehicle have been taken as exhibits.
The Command said investigations have uncovered a suspected network involved in dismantling stolen trailers and disposing of their parts. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining components, identify other members of the syndicate, and establish the full scope of its operations.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their professionalism and intelligence-led approach, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft.
He said the arrests, recovery of parts of the stolen trailer and exposure of the suspected syndicate demonstrate the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen public safety across the state.
The police assured that all suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted, while urging transport operators, fleet owners and members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.
