The Ondo State Police Command has taken into custody a suspected car thief who allegedly jumped into the Ogbese River in a failed attempt to escape arrest during an operation in Akure.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, made this known in a statement on Saturday, adding that the mission also resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a second suspect.
According to the statement, the operation was triggered by intelligence received on April 30, 2026, indicating that a silver Hyundai car stolen in Lagos was being driven towards Abuja.
“Operatives acted swiftly on the information, deploying intelligence-led tactics and technological tools to track and intercept the vehicle along its route,” the statement said.
Police said the main suspect, ThankGod Unchena, tried to evade arrest by diving into the Ogbese River after noticing the presence of security operatives.
“Despite his attempt to escape through the river, officers pursued him and successfully effected his arrest,” the statement added.
The police also disclosed that another suspect, Adewole Muyedeen, was apprehended after he was found behind the wheel of the vehicle under questionable circumstances.
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“Preliminary findings point to possible links with a wider criminal network, and further investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices,” the police noted.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to support law enforcement with credible information.
