The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a car theft syndicate and recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna in Akure.
The suspect, identified as Oteku Silas, was nabbed on September 5 by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit at Ajibamidele, along the Ore–Lagos Road.
The gray Toyota Sienna, which had earlier been reported stolen in Akure, was recovered from him at the point of arrest.
Police investigations linked Silas to the fraudulent sale of another stolen Toyota vehicle, which had been tampered with in preparation for resale to unsuspecting buyers.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a criminal syndicate that specializes in stealing Toyota vehicles.
He also admitted belonging to the same armed robbery gang whose five members were earlier arrested and charged to court, with four stolen vehicles already recovered.
While the prime suspect responsible for disposing of stolen cars remains on the run, the Police Command said efforts are ongoing to track him and other fleeing members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, praised the efforts of the SWAT operatives for their diligence in recovering the vehicle and vowed that the Command would not relent in dismantling organized crime networks in the state.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.