By The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry from a hotel in Ifo and arrested one suspect, less than eight hours after the vehicle was reported missing.
According to police, the Camry belongs to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos and was allegedly stolen on September 9, 2026, by the owner’s driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale, who had only been hired two days earlier. Kolawale reportedly told his employer he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to fix a tyre, then disappeared with it instead.
Rapid Response Leads to Recovery
Once the theft was reported, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo area. That information was passed to the Divisional Police Officer for Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who deployed surveillance and anti-robbery teams to the location.
Officers tracked the vehicle through multiple locations before finally locating it at a hotel in Ifo around 8:30pm. “On sighting the police, Kolawale allegedly fled with the ignition key, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene,” the command said in a statement posted to X on Sunday.
Investigators say preliminary findings suggest the suspects had approached a mechanic to strip the vehicle’s catalytic converter, but the mechanic refused to go through with it. The vehicle has since been secured while police continue efforts to track down Kolawale and establish the full details of the incident.
Police Commend Swift Action
The command described the recovery as proof of its “proactive, technology-driven and intelligence-led approach to policing,” emphasising how prompt reporting paired with coordinated response denies criminals what it called “safe operating space.”
Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ifo operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Safety Advisory
Police urged vehicle owners to install reliable tracking devices and adopt additional anti-theft measures such as steering locks and tyre locks. The public was also advised to exercise caution when entrusting vehicles, property or access to their homes and businesses to others. “Trust should be accompanied by due diligence,” the command said.
Hoteliers were specifically urged to strengthen guest and vehicle verification procedures, maintain accurate records, and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities. Members of the public can report suspicious activity through the Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line at 0800 000 9111, or via 09164859299 and 09154293464.
