The state command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, on Friday, in a statement disclosed that the suspect, Wariz Taofeek, had brought a minibus to the mechanic’s workshop for body alteration which led to the suspicion of the mechanic who requested the vehicle particulars and details of the owner but the suspect could not provide any details.
Odutola said the suspicion of the mechanic led him to alert the police of a suspected stolen vehicle which prompted the police to launch a manhunt leading to the suspect’s arrest.
She said, “Following a brilliant verification skill of an automobile engineer in Ifo, Ogun State, a suspect named Wariz Taofeek has been apprehended on November 7, 2023, by the Divisional Police Officer in Ifo for stealing a minibus he attempted to alter its body but for the impressive verification skills of an automobile mechanic.
“The mechanic became suspicious when Taofeek and another individual brought a mini bus with number plate BDG 104 YH to his workshop for repairs. Realising that the vehicle might be stolen, the mechanic requested the necessary documents from the suspects, before he could commence repairs, which they were unable to provide. He also asked for the phone number of the rightful owner of the bus, but the suspects could not provide any particulars.
“In an attempt to deceive the mechanic, the suspects asked to use the mechanic phone to call the owner of the bus, hoping to insert their own SIM card. However, the mechanic’s quick wits allowed him to see through their ruse, and the suspect managed to escape the scene.
“The mechanic promptly alerted the police, who quickly took action and eventually apprehended Taofeek Wariz. During the interrogation, Wariz confessed to having stolen the bus from Ikorodu.”
Odutola noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has urged other artisans to be vigilant and embrace intelligence in the course of their work while commending the effort of the mechanic.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu, has expressed his admiration for the mechanic’s assistance in apprehending the culprits. He commended the mechanic’s intelligence and encouraged other artisans to follow his example in being vigilant and proactive in similar situations,” she concluded.