Police arrest 22-year-old woman over stolen ‘Korope’ repainting, launch manhunt for accomplices

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, Azeez Khadijat, for allegedly participating in the illegal repainting of a suspected stolen mini bus in Omu-Ijebu area of the state.

The command also launched a manhunt for three other suspects who fled the scene on sighting police operatives.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspect was apprehended on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., following credible intelligence received by detectives at the Omu-Ijebu Divisional Headquarters.

Babaseyi said, “Information was received that three men and a woman were sighted in a bush along Ikhasi Road, Kajola via Omu, illegally repainting a Suzuki mini bus, popularly known as ‘Korope,’ without a registration number.”

He added that the vehicle, suspected to have originally been painted yellow, was being repainted in white and blue colours in a bid to conceal its identity.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, detectives mobilised to the scene. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in different directions. However, Azeez Khadijat was arrested inside the abandoned vehicle,” he said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the mini bus, later identified with a Lagos State registration number, was recovered and secured at the station.

Items recovered at the scene, according to him, include three mobile phones, a power bank, a paint can, sandpaper and a Type-C charging cord, all suspected to belong to the fleeing suspects.

Babaseyi further revealed that preliminary investigation showed the vehicle was allegedly used for criminal activities in Lagos State, prompting the suspects to repaint it to evade detection.

“The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution,” he added.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the оперативes for their swift response and professionalism, assuring that all accomplices would be brought to justice.

The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.