N71m vehicle fraud investigation leads to the arrest of six suspects accused of illegally selling three trucks in Ondo State

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with an alleged N71m Vehicle Fraud involving the unauthorised sale and transfer of three heavy-duty vehicles belonging to a businessman in Ondo State.

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The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday, stating that the suspects were apprehended in Ibadan, Oyo State, following an intelligence-led operation conducted by detectives attached to the Fagun Division.

The suspects were identified as Adeola Kolawole, 56; Alhaji Gani Bello, 73; Oladoja Akeem, 56; Wasiu Adigun, 55; Azeez Yusuf, 49; and Ojo Mudasiru, 40.

According to Jimoh, the case was reported to the police on May 22, 2026, by a resident of Ayegunle Street, Ondo, Paul Aderemi.

Aderemi told investigators that he purchased a low-loader truck, a tipper truck and a small truck valued at approximately N71 million in May 2025 and subsequently entrusted the vehicles to the principal suspect, Kolawole, under an agreed business arrangement.

The police spokesman said the complainant later discovered that the vehicles had allegedly been sold without his knowledge or approval.

“The complainant, however, discovered on 13th May, 2026, that the vehicles had allegedly been sold without his authorisation. Disturbed by the development, he promptly reported the matter to the police.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives immediately commenced a comprehensive investigation,” Jimoh stated.

According to the command, a major breakthrough occurred when operatives arrested Kolawole, who allegedly provided useful information during interrogation.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the principal suspect, Adeola Kolawole, was arrested and subsequently made useful statements during interrogation, allegedly admitting to selling the vehicles to one Alhaji Gani Bello in Ibadan.

“This confession provided vital leads that enabled investigators to track down and arrest other suspects believed to have played various roles in the unlawful transaction,” Jimoh said.

Police authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to uncover the full scope of the alleged conspiracy and recover the missing vehicles.

The command disclosed that all six suspects have reportedly made confessional statements outlining their individual roles in the transaction.

“The command is currently intensifying efforts to recover the three vehicles and unravel the full extent of the criminal conspiracy.

“All six suspects have reportedly made confessional statements detailing their respective involvements in the offence. They will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, commended the investigating officers for what he described as a diligent and professional handling of the case.

Ohagwu said the arrests demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and cooperation between security agencies across state boundaries.

The police commissioner also reassured residents of the command’s determination to protect lives and property while warning criminal elements that law enforcement agencies would continue to pursue offenders relentlessly.

He further appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and combating crime across the state.

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The case is expected to proceed to court after the completion of investigations and efforts to recover the vehicles allegedly involved in the fraud.