By Desire Emmanuel
A Toyota RAV4 Sports Utility Vehicle that was stolen in Lagos State last year was found in Ondo State eight months after when the person who stole it attempted to change its number plates and documents.
The Ondo State Police Command announced the recovery of the vehicle in a statement on Friday, May 15, as it added that the robber was promptly arrested by men of the Fagun Divisional Headquarters of the command.
It was gathered that on Tuesday, May 12, the command received information concerning a suspicious attempt to re-register the Toyota RAV4 SUV.
Acting on the information, the operatives mobilised to the location for discreet monitoring and prompt intervention.
Upon arrival at the scene, the robber, whose name was given as Temitope Ayodabo, aged 39 years, was apprehended while attempting to process registration documentation and new number plates for the vehicle under suspicious circumstances.
Following the arrest, detectives commenced preliminary interrogation and expanded investigation, which subsequently led operatives to Ifetedo area where the vehicle was recovered.
Further investigation by the operatives revealed that the vehicle belonged to one Sanni Halilulai of Ireshe Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
He was immediately contacted and he confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from where it was parked on September 17, 2025.
“The recovered vehicle has since been secured by the police as investigation continues to determine the full circumstances surrounding the theft, possible alteration of vehicle particulars and the involvement of other members of the criminal network believed to be connected to the case,” the command stated in the statement.
According to the command, following proper verification of the vehicle particulars and relevant ownership documents, the recovered Toyota RAV4 was released to the owner accordingly, while the robber had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and will will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
