How Police Nab Suspected Car Thief in Ondo State
13 the October,2026
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected interstate vehicle thief in Isua, Akoko South-East Local Government Area, and recovered a vehicle allegedly stolen from his employer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The arrest followed a distress call reporting an alleged fuel theft, which prompted a swift police response and an intelligence-led operation in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army.
According to a press release issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident occurred at about 11:59 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, when one Akin Thomas, in Epinmi, reported that a motorist had purchased Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦100,000 but allegedly fled without making payment.
The statement identified the suspect as Bamidele Rowell Lodi, who allegedly distracted the fuel attendant by asking him to fetch water before driving away without paying for the fuel.
Following the complaint, police operatives attached to the Isua Division immediately mobilised, mounted route blocks and launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspect.
On sighting the police, the suspect allegedly diverted onto the Ise–Ikare Road in an attempt to escape arrest. However, the pursuing officers sustained the chase and coordinated with Nigerian Army personnel stationed at the Auga checkpoint.
The joint operation resulted in the interception and arrest of the suspect for further investigation.
In a further development, preliminary investigations and intelligence gathering reportedly linked the suspect to a vehicle in his possession that had allegedly been stolen from his employer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The police said investigators compared the chassis number of the recovered vehicle with that of the suspected stolen vehicle provided to the Command, and both numbers reportedly matched.
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 recovered vehicle and the suspect are currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences, verify the vehicle’s ownership and determine whether the suspect may be connected to other criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives of the Isua Division for their prompt response and professionalism. He also praised the Nigerian Army personnel at the Auga checkpoint for their timely intervention and effective collaboration.
According to the statement, the Commissioner noted that the operation highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, actionable intelligence and swift responses in combating crime across communities and state boundaries.
He reassured residents that the Command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational coordination and partnerships with sister security agencies to prevent and detect criminal activities.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in protecting lives and property.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Ondo State does not become a safe haven for criminals, adding that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and appropriate legal action taken in accordance with the law.
