The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a luxury Lexus 460 SUV worth an estimated N45 million following its alleged theft by the owner’s driver, who reportedly planned to dispose of the vehicle for just N10 million in the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
The swift recovery also resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect, identified as Akeem Olawale, while another alleged accomplice, Monday Keshi, is still being sought by security operatives.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Agbado Divisional Police Headquarters on November 12, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m.
The complainant alleged that his 28-year-old driver, Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel, had taken his black Lexus 460 SUV without permission.
Preliminary findings indicated that the driver had conveyed his employer to his office earlier that day.
However, instead of returning the vehicle as expected, he allegedly made away with it after giving an excuse that his wife was unwell.
The driver was said to have used the explanation to leave his employer before allegedly diverting the SUV for an arrangement involving two other individuals.
Police investigations revealed that the vehicle was subsequently taken to meet Akeem Olawale and Monday Keshi, who allegedly intended to move it across the border into Cotonou, Benin Republic, where a buyer was reportedly expected to purchase it for N10 million.
The proposed selling price was considerably lower than the vehicle’s estimated market value of N45 million, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the planned transaction.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that detectives responded immediately after receiving the complaint.
He said officers attached to the Agbado Division commenced an investigation and deployed available resources to trace the missing vehicle and identify those connected to the alleged theft.
Their efforts reportedly paid off within hours, as one of the suspects was apprehended around Agbado Crossing at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day the incident was reported. The missing Lexus SUV was also recovered during the operation.
Babaseyi explained that the arrested suspect allegedly admitted during preliminary questioning that he was involved in the arrangement to transport the vehicle to Cotonou for sale.
Although the police have recovered the SUV and arrested one suspect, the whereabouts of the other alleged accomplice remain unknown.
The command said efforts were being intensified to locate and arrest Monday Keshi, who reportedly escaped before the police operation was concluded.
It added that the case would subsequently be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a more detailed investigation and further necessary action.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation, describing their response as an indication of the importance of vigilance, professionalism and prompt action in tackling criminal activities.
Ojajuni commended the detectives for their ability to recover the vehicle within a short period after the complaint was lodged, noting that effective policing requires timely responses and the strategic use of intelligence.
He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and intensify efforts against individuals and groups involved in criminal activities across the state.
The police commissioner also stressed that the command would continue to pursue criminal suspects and ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the full consequences of the law.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command assured residents that the protection of lives and property remained a major priority, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
Residents were encouraged to report suspicious movements, activities or individuals to the nearest police station and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and prevent criminal operations.
The command maintained that public cooperation remains essential to identifying criminal networks, preventing vehicle theft and strengthening security across communities in Ogun State.
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