Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a Lexus 460 SUV valued at ₦45 million following an alleged theft involving the vehicle owner’s driver, Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel, and arrested a suspect in connection with a reported plan to transport the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale at ₦10 million.
The recovery was announced on Friday, November 13, 2026, after detectives attached to the Agbado Division reportedly tracked the stolen vehicle within hours of receiving a theft report.
According to the police, the incident was reported on Thursday, November 12, at approximately 7:00 p.m., after the black Lexus 460 SUV allegedly disappeared while under the control of the owner’s 28-year-old driver.
The development has raised concerns about vehicle theft and the alleged involvement of multiple individuals in attempts to move stolen automobiles across international borders.
How the Lexus SUV Allegedly Went Missing
In a statement issued by the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, preliminary investigations indicated that Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel had earlier conveyed his employer to his office on the day of the incident.
However, the driver allegedly left with the vehicle without obtaining permission from his employer.
The police said the driver reportedly claimed that his wife was indisposed before subsequently taking the vehicle away.
Investigators further alleged that he later took the Lexus SUV to meet two other individuals identified as Akeem Olawale, 34, and Monday Keshi.
According to the police, the individuals allegedly arranged to move the vehicle to Cotonou, the commercial capital of neighbouring Benin Republic, where they intended to sell it for ₦10 million.
The proposed selling price was significantly below the vehicle’s estimated value of ₦45 million.
Police Recover Vehicle Within Hours
Following the report, detectives from the Agbado Division reportedly launched an operation to locate the missing SUV and identify those involved in its disappearance.
The operation resulted in the recovery of the Lexus at Agbado Crossing at approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 12, the same day the theft was reported.
The police also announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged operation.
However, the police account identifies Jeremiah Jacob Emmanuel as the driver’s suspect, while separate reports identify Akeem Olawale as the person arrested. The distinction between the driver’s alleged role and the identity of the person in custody has not been fully clarified in the available reporting.
The police said the arrested suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the planned movement of the vehicle to Cotonou during preliminary investigations.
Monday Keshi was identified as an alleged accomplice who remained at large, with the command confirming that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing individual.
Police Begin Further Investigation
The Ogun State Police Command said the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The transfer is expected to allow investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, establish the respective roles of the individuals mentioned and determine whether other people were involved in the attempted movement of the vehicle across the border.
Police are also continuing efforts to apprehend Monday Keshi, who was identified as a fleeing suspect.
The command has not announced any court proceedings or final determination of the allegations.
Commissioner Commends Police Detectives
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives involved in the operation for their vigilance, swift response and professionalism.
According to the police statement, Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, disrupting criminal networks and ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
He also assured residents of the command’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and investigating criminal activities.
Why the Incident Matters
The recovery of the Lexus SUV highlights the importance of prompt reporting and coordinated police investigations in addressing vehicle theft.
The alleged plan to transport the vehicle to Cotonou also draws attention to the potential cross-border dimension of automobile-related crimes in West Africa.
Nigeria and Benin Republic share significant commercial and transportation connections, particularly around the Lagos-Ogun border corridor. These connections make cooperation between security agencies important in addressing criminal activities that may extend beyond national boundaries.
For vehicle owners, the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining proper vehicle documentation, exercising caution when entrusting automobiles to employees and promptly reporting suspicious movements or missing vehicles.
However, the allegations against the individuals named in the police statement remain subject to investigation. Their guilt cannot be established solely on the basis of an arrest or preliminary police findings.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next steps involve further police investigations, efforts to locate the fleeing suspect and the transfer of the case to the SCID in Abeokuta.
Investigators will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s disappearance, verify the alleged plan to sell it in Cotonou and determine the involvement of each person identified.
The recovered Lexus 460 SUV, valued at approximately ₦45 million, represents a significant recovery for its owner.
The Ogun State Police Command has yet to announce the conclusion of its investigation or any confirmed court proceedings relating to the incident.
Weng Global will continue to monitor developments as the investigation progresses.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Ogun State Police Command – Official statement issued on November 13, 2026.
- The Guardian Nigeria – Police arrest driver for stealing owner’s car in Ogun.
- Radio Nigeria – Police Recover Stolen Car after Few Hours.
- TVC News – Police Foil N10m Sale of Stolen N45m SUV in Ogun.
