The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged vehicle fraud scheme involving the unlawful disposal of three commercial trucks worth about ₦71 million, leading to the arrest of six suspects in Oyo State.
The suspects were apprehended by detectives following investigations into the reported disappearance and subsequent sale of the vehicles, which allegedly changed hands without the owner’s approval.
Police identified the suspects as Adeola Kolawole, 56; Gani Bello, 73; Oladoja Akeem, 56; Wasiu Adigun, 55; Azeez Yusuf, 49; and Ojo Mudasiru, 40.
According to findings by investigators, the case came to light after a businessman, Mr Paul Aderemi, petitioned the police over the fate of three trucks he claimed were entrusted to one of the suspects for safekeeping.
The vehicles, comprising a low-bed truck, a tipper and another commercial truck, were reportedly acquired by the complainant in 2025 at a cost estimated at over ₦71 million.
Trouble started when the owner allegedly discovered that the trucks had been transferred and sold without his knowledge or consent.
Acting on the complaint, operatives of the Fagun Division launched an investigation that extended beyond Ondo State.
The police said intelligence gathered during the operation led officers to Ibadan, where the principal suspect was arrested.
Investigators alleged that information obtained from the suspect exposed a chain of transactions involving other individuals who were subsequently tracked down and taken into custody.
Sources within the command said detectives were examining the circumstances surrounding the ownership transfer of the vehicles and the roles played by each suspect in the transaction.
The command disclosed that efforts were ongoing to trace and recover the trucks, while investigators continue to unravel the full scope of the alleged fraud.
Police authorities added that the suspects would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
Commenting on the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, praised the officers involved in the operation for their commitment and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to clamp down on criminal networks involved in fraud and other offences, stressing that offenders would be pursued irrespective of their location.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information capable of aiding the fight against crime across the state.