Driver, Guarantor Nabbed While Smuggling Stolen Company Bus to Benin Republic

Driver, Guarantor Nabbed While Smuggling Stolen Company Bus to Benin Republic
Recover Stolen 28-Seater Bus
Launches Probe into Trafficking Network

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command attached to the Idiroko Division have foiled an attempt to smuggle a stolen company vehicle into the Benin Republic, arresting two suspects and recovering a 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the suspects, identified as 46-year-old Seun Lawal and 38-year-old Ademola Oriyomi, were arrested on Friday following an intelligence-led operation.

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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the bus had earlier been reported stolen from Lagos.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that Lawal, who worked as the company’s driver, allegedly teamed up with his guarantor, Oriyomi, to steal and sell the vehicle across the border.

Babaseyi disclosed that police received credible intelligence at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12 indicating that the suspects had parked the bus at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it into the neighbouring Benin Republic.

Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo, led a surveillance team to the area, where the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to carry out the operation.

“The operatives successfully stopped the vehicle from crossing the border by disabling it after shooting one of its tyres,” the statement said.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to plotting to sell the bus in the Benin Republic. They allegedly told investigators that the proceeds from the sale were intended to fund their relocation after the transaction.

Driver, Guarantor Nabbed While Smuggling Stolen Company Bus to Benin Republic

The recovered vehicle has been secured, while the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are linked to a wider cross-border vehicle theft network operating within the region.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism and swift response of CSP Ariyo and his team.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening border security, combating vehicle trafficking and denying criminals the opportunity to operate within Ogun State and its border communities.

The police boss also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime.