Police recover two stolen vehicles, arrest suspects in Edo

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The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered two stolen vehicles in separate operations in the state.

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, the first vehicle was recovered during a stop-and-search operation on June 22 along Siluko Road, Benin City, while the second was recovered in the course of the investigation.

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The statement said operatives attached to the Textile Mill Road Division intercepted a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, ash in colour, with registration number GBZ 646 YK, Edo State, during a routine checkpoint operation.

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It stated, “On 22nd June, 2026, officers on routine stop-and-search duty at a checkpoint along Siluko Road, Benin City, intercepted a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, ash in colour, with registration number GBZ 646 YK, Edo State. Preliminary checks on the vehicle revealed that the particulars presented by the driver were forged.

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“Further investigation disclosed that the vehicle belongs to one Dr. Timothy Etinosa, who had earlier given the vehicle to one Emmanuel Afolayan on a hire-purchase agreement.

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“However, Emmanuel Afolayan absconded with the vehicle in 2024 to an unknown destination, forged its documents, and subsequently sold it.

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“The driver of the vehicle, one Ezikiel Aguele, male, aged 46 years, was arrested. During interrogation, he led operatives to the arrest of the principal suspect, Emmanuel Afolayan, and the recovery of another vehicle which was similarly stolen.

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“The suspects have confessed to the offence and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”

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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation.

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He reiterated the importance of stop-and-search operations as a proactive policing strategy that continues to aid crime prevention, detection, the recovery of stolen property and the arrest of criminal elements.

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The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to assist in combating crime and criminality across the state.

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