Car theft suspect fished out of Ondo river after Lagos-Abuja chase

Operatives of the Nigeria Police, Ondo State Command, have apprehended two interstate robbery suspects over their alleged involvement in the stealing of cars in the country.

The suspects identified as ThankGod Unchenna, 25, and Adewole Muyedeen, 53, were intercepted in the state while driving one of the cars stolen from Lagos to Abuja.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Abayomi Jimoh, the arrest of the suspect was made possible following the deployment of intelligence-gathering and technology-driven strategies.

Meanwhile, ThankGod was said to have jumped into the Ogbese river while attempting to escape from the police but was nabbed when the operatives ensured pursuit of the suspect.

Jimoh maintained that the command had, on April 30, received intel that a silver Hyundai vehicle, earlier reported stolen in Lagos State, was being conveyed towards Abuja by some suspected criminals.

Following the development, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were swiftly deployed, after which the suspects were nabbed at Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the principal suspect, one ThankGod Unchenna, male, aged 25 years, attempted to evade arrest by jumping into the Ogbese River in a desperate bid to escape.

“However, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, and tactical efficiency, the operatives pursued him into the river, successfully apprehended him, and brought him out safely.

“Preliminary interrogation suggests possible links to a broader criminal network, and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to unravel all individuals connected to the crime. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”