6 arrested in Ondo over illegal sale of heavy-duty trucks worth N71m

By Adetokunbo Abiola

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged fraudulent sale and illegal transfer of three vehicles worth seventy one million naira, following an intelligence-led operation that stretched from Ondo State to Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the police, the investigation led to the arrest of Kolawole, 56, who allegedly admitted during interrogation that the vehicles had been sold to Alhaji Gani Bello, 73, in Ibadan.

The three vehicles are yet to be recovered, but the Command said efforts are ongoing to trace them and uncover the full scope of the alleged fraud network, while all six suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The case was reported by Mr. Paul Aderemi, who told police that he purchased a low-loader truck, a tipper truck and a small truck in May 2025 and placed them in the custody of a trusted associate, Adeola Kolawole, under an agreed arrangement.

However, in a development that stunned the vehicle owner, he reportedly discovered on May 13, 2026, that the trucks had allegedly been sold without his authorization.

Disturbed by the discovery, Aderemi reported the matter to the police, triggering an investigation by detectives attached to the Fagun Division.

The revelation opened up a wider investigation that resulted in the arrest of five other suspects, identified as Alhaji Gani Bello, Oladoja Akeem, Wasiu Adigun, Azeez Yusuf and Ojo Mudasiru.

Police said the suspects were apprehended in Ibadan after investigators traced the alleged transaction through intelligence gathering and inter-state collaboration.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, praised the officers involved in the investigation and warned that individuals involved in criminal activities would eventually face justice, regardless of where they attempt to hide.