Ogun Police Recover N45m Lexus Hours After Theft, Arrest Suspect

The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a Lexus 460 SUV valued at N45m, hours after it was allegedly stolen by its owner’s driver, who reportedly planned to sell it for N10m in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The police also arrested a 34-year-old suspect, Akeem Olawale, in connection with the planned sale, while another accomplice, identified as Monday Keshi, is currently at large.

The Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the incident was reported at the Agbado Divisional Police Headquarters on November 12, 2026, at about 7pm.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the owner’s 28-year-old driver, Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel, had taken his employer to his office earlier in the day before allegedly driving away with the SUV without authorisation.

The driver reportedly told his employer that his wife was indisposed before taking the vehicle.

Babaseyi said the driver subsequently met Olawale and Keshi, with whom he allegedly arranged to transport the SUV to Cotonou for sale at N10million, despite its estimated market value of N45million.

He said detectives immediately launched an investigation following the report, leading to the arrest of Olawale at Agbado Crossing at about 7pm on the same day and the recovery of the vehicle.

The police spokesperson added that the arrested suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the planned movement of the vehicle to Benin Republic during preliminary interrogation.

Meanwhile, the command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, adding that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their swift response and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, disrupting criminal networks and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities were brought to justice.