Police Arrest Driver for Allegedly Stealing Employer’s Bus, Fleeing to Ibadan

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 57-year-old driver accused of stealing his employer’s Toyota Hiace Space Bus and fleeing to Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday. 

He said the suspect was apprehended on Sunday at about 5:30 a.m. following what he described as “intensive tracking and intelligence-driven investigation” by operatives of the command.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who had been employed as the driver of the vehicle, allegedly stole the Toyota Hiace bus entrusted to him by his employer before escaping from Lagos.

“The suspect stole the bus and relocated to Ibadan where he changed the vehicle documents and his phone number in an attempt to evade arrest,” Mr. Tijani said.

He explained that detectives immediately launched a manhunt after the theft was reported and later traced the suspect to Ibadan through coordinated intelligence gathering and tracking operations.

Mr. Tijani said the suspect was arrested with the stolen vehicle still in his possession and reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.

The commissioner noted that criminals often attempt to alter vehicle identities and move stolen vehicles across state boundaries to frustrate investigations, but stressed that the police remained committed to tracking offenders regardless of location.

He added that the arrest reflects the command’s determination to tackle vehicle theft and other criminal activities across Lagos State.

Mr. Tijani also assured residents that the police would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations to protect lives and property, while urging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

He said the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.