Bamidele Rowell Lodi, identified as a suspected vehicle thief, was taken into custody by the [Isua Police Division](https://www.ondopolice.gov.ng/isua) in Ondo State on 14 October 2026 after fleeing Port Harcourt, Rivers State with his employer’s car and allegedly absconding with fuel valued at ₦100,000.
The suspect, who reportedly served as a security guard in Port Harcourt, became the focus of police action after a motorist named Akin Thomas filed a complaint that the driver had purchased fuel at a filling station in Epinmi‑Akoko, then left without paying. Police sources said the driver distracted the attendant by asking for water before driving off.
"Upon receiving the complaint, operatives attached to Isua Division immediately mobilised, mounted roadblocks and commenced pursuit of the fleeing suspect," a police spokesperson stated. The chase led the suspect onto the Ise‑Ikare Road, where he attempted to evade capture. Officers continued the pursuit and alerted soldiers stationed at a checkpoint in Auga.
Through a coordinated response with the [Nigerian Army](https://www.nigerianarmy.gov.ng), the suspect was intercepted and arrested for further investigation. Preliminary checks matched the chassis number of the recovered vehicle with the details supplied by the owner in Port Harcourt, confirming it as the stolen car.
DSP Jimoh Abayomi, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that both the suspect and the vehicle remain in police custody while investigations determine the full circumstances of the alleged offences, verify ownership, and explore any links to other criminal activities. "The recovered vehicle and the suspect remain in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances of the alleged offences, verify ownership of the vehicle, and determine whether the suspect may be connected to other criminal activities," he said.
Abayomi praised the swift response and professionalism of the Isua Division operatives and the soldiers at the Auga checkpoint, noting that the operation underscored the importance of inter‑agency cooperation, actionable intelligence, and rapid response in combating cross‑border crime. He urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly and assured the public that the command will keep strengthening intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister security agencies to prevent crime.
The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring Ondo State does not become a safe haven for criminals, promising a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against any wrongdoing.