By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a fleeing trailer driver, for their alleged involvement in the theft and dismantling of a stolen trailer, while uncovering what investigators described as a suspected trailer-dismantling syndicate operating within the state.
The suspects were identified as Temitope Omotayo Odulaja, 47; Segun Suleiman, 27; Haruna Olaogun, 49; Jimoh Wasiu, 42; and Quazzim Suleiman, 49. They are being investigated for alleged conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen property.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the arrests followed a complaint lodged at the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters by the owner of a trailer, who reported that his driver had absconded with the vehicle on June 6, 2026.
Babaseyi said detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, immediately launched an intelligence-led investigation, deploying technical resources to track down the fleeing driver.
The operation paid off on July 24, 2026, when detectives traced and arrested Odulaja in Ikorodu, Lagos State. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided information that led investigators to other alleged members of the criminal network.
The following day, police operatives extended the operation to Ijebu-Ode, where the four other suspects were arrested at different locations for their alleged roles in the criminal enterprise.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stolen trailer had been dismantled shortly after it was stolen, with its components allegedly sold off. Detectives have so far recovered parts of the trailer, including the trailer head, while photographs of the dismantled vehicle have been documented as exhibits.
Police said ongoing investigations have uncovered a suspected syndicate specialising in dismantling stolen trailers and disposing of their parts. Efforts are underway to recover the remaining components, identify other members of the syndicate, and establish the full scope of its operations.
The police added that all suspects found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation would be charged to court.
Commending the detectives for their professionalism and intelligence-driven approach, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle theft.
He said the arrests, recovery of stolen trailer parts, and exposure of the suspected criminal network demonstrated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its determination to dismantle organised crime groups operating across Ogun State.
The Commissioner urged transport operators, fleet owners, logistics companies, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the police, assuring residents that the Command would continue to intensify proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.
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