Mechanic Caught in Police Sting Over Stolen Car Scheme

The Arrest of an Automobile Technician in Ondo State

An automobile technician, Jimoh Razaq, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly conspiring with a suspect to sell stolen vehicles. According to Razaq, he was unaware that the cars he repaired and sold were stolen. He claims that the suspect, who approached him under the guise of a customer, brought the vehicles for repairs before asking him to help sell them.

Razaq stated that the suspect used to drive the cars around Offa Town in Kwara State before bringing them to his workshop. After the repairs, he put them up for sale without knowing their true origin. It was only after his arrest that he discovered the vehicles had been stolen from Kano and transported to Offa for resale.

The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olushola Olayinka Ayanlade, explained that the discovery of the stolen vehicles began when a man named Olugbenga purchased a 2003 Toyota Corolla Sport for N5.65 million. When he attempted to renew the vehicle’s documents and change the registration number, he was informed that the documents were not genuine. This led to his immediate arrest and referral to the SWAT office.

During interrogation, Olugbenga revealed the source of the vehicle, which led to the arrest of the middlemen involved in the sale. The police then identified Razaq as the mechanic who had sold the car to the middlemen. Razaq also mentioned another vehicle, a Kia, that was sold through him by the same suspect. However, the principal suspect fled when he learned of Razaq’s arrest and is currently at large.

The Role of the Licensing Office

According to reports, the licensing office in Igbara Oke played a crucial role in identifying the stolen vehicle. The system flagged discrepancies in the documents, leading to the realization that the owner resided in Kano State. The real owner of the Toyota Corolla was contacted by the police, and he confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from his parking spot during a church vigil.

The owner described how, at approximately 4:30 a.m., after completing a prayer service, he returned to find his car missing. Despite his efforts to recover it, the vehicle could not be located. It later passed through several buyers, with the last one, Olugbenga, attempting to make changes to the vehicle’s registration. His attempts were thwarted when the system revealed that the details did not match those of the original owner.

The Mechanic’s Perspective

In an interview with Sunday Tribune, Razaq provided further details about his involvement. He claimed that the suspect came to his shop and requested car servicing and repair. The man had brought a 2003 Toyota Corolla Sport, which Razaq worked on for N5,000. A week later, the man asked Razaq to help sell the car, promising to pay him N10,000 for his assistance.

Razaq sent photos of the vehicle to a contact in Osogbo, where it was eventually sold for N4 million. He also mentioned a second transaction involving a Kia, which the suspect brought for repairs. During this time, the suspect would often visit Razaq’s workshop and even shared his address with him.

After the suspect disappeared, Razaq continued to work on the Kia, helping to repair its faulty components. The buyer eventually arrived to collect the car, but Razaq could not locate the necessary documents. He called the seller, who promised to bring them later, but they were never delivered.

The Buyer’s Story

Oluwagbemiga, the buyer who purchased the Toyota Corolla, recounted his experience. He bought the vehicle from a car stand in Osogbo, where a friend took him on October 22, 2024. When the documents expired, he decided to renew them in Igbara Oke due to its proximity to his home and farm.

During the renewal process, the documents were found to be inconsistent with the system records. Oluwagbemiga was advised to change the registration number and swore an affidavit. After paying N72,000 for the new license plate and documents, he was taken to the Akure office, where he was arrested by the police.

The Police Response

The PPRO emphasized that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a manhunt for the fleeing suspect. The case highlights the growing issue of stolen vehicles being sold through intermediaries, often without the knowledge of those involved.

The Broader Implications

This incident underscores the need for stricter verification processes in vehicle transactions. With the rise of fake documents and identity fraud, law enforcement agencies must enhance their systems to detect inconsistencies quickly. The role of mechanics and dealers in inadvertently facilitating these crimes cannot be overlooked.

As the investigation continues, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The police have also encouraged individuals to verify the authenticity of vehicle documents before making purchases.