A newly employed driver has allegedly vanished with his employer’s Toyota Camry just two days after getting the job, triggering a frantic police operation that led to the recovery of the car at a hotel in Ifo, Ogun State.
The 2016 Toyota Camry, belonging to an Indian national operating from the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, was reportedly taken on September 9 after the driver, identified as Waidi Olajide Kolawole, told his employer he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to fix a faulty tyre.
But instead of returning, Kolawole allegedly disappeared with the car.
The vehicle was later electronically tracked to Ifo, prompting the owner to alert the police.
According to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the information was immediately passed to the Ifo Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who mobilised surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.
The officers reportedly traced the vehicle through several locations before finding it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30pm.
However, as the police arrived, Kolawole allegedly bolted, taking the vehicle’s ignition key with him.
His alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the hotel.
Police said preliminary investigations also indicated that the suspects had allegedly approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalytic converter, but the mechanic refused to carry out the job.
The recovered Camry has since been secured by the police, while operatives are hunting for Kolawole and investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
The state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers for what he described as a swift and intelligence-driven operation.
The command urged vehicle owners to install reliable tracking devices and consider additional security measures such as steering and tyre locks.
It also warned vehicle owners to carry out proper checks before handing over vehicles, property or access to their homes and businesses to newly employed workers.
Hoteliers were equally advised to properly verify guests and vehicles, keep accurate records and alert security agencies to suspicious activities.
