The Edo State Police Command has recovered two suspected stolen vehicles and arrested suspects during a stop-and-search operation in Benin City.
Police said the operation led to the interception of an ash-coloured Daihatsu Hijet minibus along Siluko Road on June 22, 2026.
The vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint operated by officers attached to the Textile Mill Road Division.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoadem, preliminary checks showed that the vehicle’s documents were forged.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to Dr Timothy Etinosa before it was allegedly diverted.
Police said Etinosa had handed the vehicle to Emmanuel Afolayan under a hire-purchase agreement.
Afolayan allegedly absconded with the vehicle in 2024 and later forged documents to resell it.
The driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Ezikiel Aguele, was arrested during the operation.
Aguele reportedly led officers to the principal suspect, Emmanuel Afolayan.
The arrest also led to the recovery of another suspected stolen vehicle linked to a similar scheme.
Police said both suspects made confessional statements during interrogation.
The command stated that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the officers for their vigilance and professionalism.
He said stop-and-search operations remain crucial for crime prevention and recovery of stolen property.
Agbonika urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
He also called for public cooperation to curb criminal activities across the state.
