Ondo Police Arrest Suspected Interstate Vehicle Thief, Recover Stolen Car in Isua

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected interstate vehicle thief in Isua, Ose Local Government Area, and recovered a vehicle allegedly stolen from his employer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The arrest followed a complaint that the suspect purchased Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦100,000 at a filling station but allegedly fled without paying, prompting a police pursuit and an intelligence-led investigation.

In a press release issued by the Command, the incident occurred at about 11:59 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, when one Akin Thomas reported the alleged fuel theft in Epinmi.

According to the police, the suspect, identified as Bamidele Rowell Lodi, allegedly asked the fuel attendant to fetch water before speeding away without making payment.

Following the report, operatives attached to Isua Division immediately mobilised, mounted route blocks and launched a pursuit to apprehend the fleeing motorist.

The police said the suspect diverted onto the Ise–Ikare Road upon sighting the operatives in an apparent attempt to evade arrest. However, the officers sustained the pursuit and coordinated with Nigerian Army personnel stationed at a checkpoint in Auga, where the suspect was eventually intercepted and arrested.

The Command disclosed that preliminary investigations and intelligence gathering subsequently linked the vehicle in the suspect’s possession to one allegedly stolen from his employer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Investigators reportedly compared the chassis number of the recovered vehicle with that of the vehicle reported stolen and established that the numbers matched, providing a crucial lead in the investigation.

Further intelligence indicated that the suspect was employed as a security guard by the vehicle’s owner in Port Harcourt and allegedly stole his employer’s vehicle before fleeing.

The suspect and the recovered vehicle remain in police custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences, verify ownership of the vehicle and determine whether the suspect has any links to other criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives of Isua Division for their prompt response and professionalism, as well as the Nigerian Army personnel at the Auga checkpoint for their timely intervention and collaboration.

Ohagwu said the operation highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, actionable intelligence and swift response in tackling crime across communities and state boundaries.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, operational coordination and partnerships with sister security agencies to prevent and detect criminal activities.

The police commissioner also urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in protecting lives and property.

The Command reiterated its determination to prevent criminals from using Ondo State as a safe haven, assuring the public that the investigation would be thorough and that appropriate legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.