Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command, have arrested two suspects involved in interstate car theft. The suspects, ThankGod Unchena, 25, and Adewole Muyedeen, 53, were intercepted while driving a stolen vehicle from Lagos to Abuja.
Arrest and River Escape
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the arrest followed intelligence-led operations and technology-driven strategies. On April 30, police received information that a silver Hyundai, reported stolen in Lagos, was being transported to Abuja by suspected criminals.
Jimoh stated: “Through the strategic use of modern policing tools, surveillance mechanisms, and real-time information sharing, the movement of the vehicle was closely monitored and tracked along its suspected route.”
Operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed and apprehended the suspects at Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area. Upon sighting the police, Unchena attempted to evade arrest by jumping into the Ogbese River.
“However, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, and tactical efficiency, the operatives pursued him into the river, successfully apprehended him, and brought him out safely,” Jimoh added.
Investigation and Charges
Preliminary interrogation suggests possible links to a broader criminal network, and comprehensive investigations are ongoing. The suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Further investigation revealed that Unchena had picked up Muyedeen as a passenger during the journey. Unchena handed over control of the vehicle to Muyedeen upon noticing security presence along the road, ostensibly to avoid detection. This action raised suspicion and led to the arrest of the second suspect. Both suspects are in police custody, and the recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit.
