Notorious Car Snatching Gang Arrested in Ondo State

 

Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command have successfully apprehended a notorious four-man gang involved in a car snatching syndicate that had been terrorizing residents.

The suspects, led by the ringleader Afolabi Emmanuel, were captured by the Tactical Intelligence Squad (TIS) after allegedly stealing a 2016 Toyota Camry from the residence of Mr. Amokun Victor in Oka-Akoko.

The gang, which had been on the police's wanted list, sold the stolen vehicle through an accomplice in Ogori-Magongo, Kogi State.

During a press conference held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Akure, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, revealed that the stolen Toyota Camry, valued at N12 million, was sold for a mere N700,000.

“The suspect confessed to scaling the fence of the victim’s compound, breaking into the apartment, taking valuables, and eventually driving off with the vehicle,” Afolabi explained.

The police investigation also led to the recovery of two more vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna worth N6 million, which had been sold for N4 million.

The police chief further stated that the gang was behind several vehicle thefts across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

He revealed that Afolabi, the ringleader, is based in Lagos but frequently visits Akungba Akoko, where his father lives. It was during these visits that he would identify potential targets for his theft operations.

“These suspects have been a menace, instilling fear in residents and stealing their hard-earned possessions,” the Commissioner of Police said. “Their arrest is a major blow to the criminal network operating across state lines.”

Mr. Afolabi also urged vehicle owners to take extra precautions by installing anti-theft devices such as pedal locks and trackers. He assured the public that the police had intensified their efforts to track down other members of the syndicate who are still on the run, with investigations ongoing.