The Ondo State Police Command says it has arrested one Olayemi Adeoye, who allegedly specialised in stealing vehicles, particularly Honda brand.
The state police said the suspect had stolen no fewer than 32 vehicles, adding that the operatives of the command had arrested him many times but he managed to get freedom.
The suspect was paraded on Thursday along with two other suspects, identified as Waheed Anifowose and Paul Ayeni, who allegedly worked with Adeoye.
Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, said Adeoye had been arrested and paraded for the same offence many time, but had been freed by the court.
He said, “The suspect (Adeoye) was arrested while attempting to steal a Toyota Corolla with number plate, SS 719 AAA, belonging to one Olanipekun.
“On interrogation, he confessed to being a vehicle snatcher who specialised in cars and jeep.
“We also arrested one Waheed Anifowose, a vulcaniser, who sold all vehicles stolen by Adeoye.
“The Ondo State Police Command has commenced investigation into the matter, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of Adeoye’s syndicate.
“It is unfortunate that Adeoye has been arrested more than thrice and he has always managed to come back to the free society.
“What we discovered is that each time he was charged to court, his syndicate would find a way to explore the loopholes in the law and get him released.
“However, this time around, we will ensure that he goes to jail and will not come back.”
Joseph also stated that some vehicles had been recovered from the suspect, assuring members of the public that other missing vehicles would be recovered.
He said the Commissioner for Police in the state police command, had ordered that Adeoye and others be charged to court.
“This will be done as soon as investigations into the matter are concluded.
The suspect, Adeoye, who did not deny the allegation, said he had been into vehicle stealing for a long time.
He explained that the operation, during which he was arrested, was organised for him to raise funds to pay a certain bill to his lawyer who was standing for him in a court.
He said, “I can’t count the number of vehicles I have stolen. I specialised in stealing Honda products because they are very easy for me to open.”