The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended a 57-year-old driver for allegedly stealing his employer’s Toyota Hiace Space Bus and fleeing to Ibadan.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
Tijani said that the suspect was apprehended on Sunday at about 5:30 a.m., following intensive tracking and intelligence-driven investigation by operatives of the command.
He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who was employed as the driver of the vehicle, allegedly stole the Toyota Hiace Space Bus entrusted to him by his employer before fleeing Lagos.
“The suspect stole the bus and relocated to Ibadan where he changed the vehicle documents and his phone number in an attempt to evade arrest,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that operatives launched a manhunt for the suspect immediately after the theft was reported.
He said that through coordinated intelligence gathering and tracking operations, detectives were able to trace the suspect to Ibadan where he was eventually apprehended with the stolen vehicle still in his possession.
According to Tijani, the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation.
The police boss said the successful arrest demonstrated the command’s commitment to tackling vehicle theft and other criminal activities across the state.
He noted that criminals often attempt to alter vehicle identities and relocate stolen vehicles to other states to frustrate investigations, but stressed that the command remained determined to track down offenders regardless of their location.
Tijani further assured residents that the police would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.
He urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to security agencies to aid effective policing.
The commissioner added that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.(NAN)
