A newly employed driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale, has allegedly disappeared with his employer’s 2016 Toyota Camry, only two days after securing the job, before police tracked the vehicle to a hotel in Ifo, Ogun State, where one of his alleged accomplices was arrested.
The vehicle, belonging to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Lagos, was reportedly stolen on September 9, 2026, after Kolawale allegedly told his employer that he was taking it to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a faulty tyre.
Instead of returning with the car, the driver allegedly absconded with it, prompting his employer to report the incident to the police.
However, what could have turned into a prolonged search ended in less than eight hours after the vehicle was reported stolen, following the activation of its electronic tracking device.
The tracking information led the police to the Ifo axis, where the matter was relayed to the Divisional Police Officer, Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi.
Olabisi was said to have immediately analysed the intelligence and deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives to track down the vehicle.
The officers reportedly followed the vehicle through several locations before eventually locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30pm.
According to the police, Kolawale fled on sighting the operatives, taking the ignition key with him, while his alleged accomplice, identified as Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene.
Preliminary investigation reportedly showed that the suspects had approached a mechanic with an alleged plan to remove the vehicle’s catalyst.
The mechanic, however, reportedly refused to carry out the job, a development that may have frustrated the suspects’ plan.
The stolen Camry has since been secured by the police, while operatives are intensifying efforts to apprehend Kolawale and unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
The incident has also highlighted the risks vehicle owners face when entrusting their property to newly employed drivers and the importance of combining trust with proper background checks and security measures.
The Ogun State Police Command said the recovery demonstrated the effectiveness of technology-driven and intelligence-led policing, particularly when stolen property is reported promptly.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ifo police operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged members of the public to promptly report cases of theft and suspicious activities.
The command also advised vehicle owners to install reliable tracking devices and use additional anti-theft measures such as steering and tyre locks.
It further urged members of the public to exercise caution when entrusting vehicles, property or access to their homes and businesses to others, stressing the need for due diligence.
Hoteliers were equally advised to strengthen guest and vehicle verification procedures, maintain accurate records and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities.
The command said members of the public could report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464A
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