A pastor was given the shock of his life when a church convert stole his SUV under the pretext of trying to help him repair it. The pastor who had unknowingly trusted the thief did not see his vehicle again. 

 

It was learnt that the principal suspect, Wasiu Adetunji Lawal, led a criminal gang which stock in trade was to obtain cars from their owners under false pretences, only to divert and sell them. Other members of the gang named by the police include Isiaka Babatunde, Jamiu Rahman, Wasiu Adelani and Abdulazeez Ahmed.

 

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Leye Oyebade said that Lawal went away with the Toyota Sequia SUV belonging to one Pastor John Akorede Aderounmu under the pretext that he wanted to carry out some repairs, only to abscond with the vehicle.

 

“The suspect sold the vehicle to a criminal receiver in Kaduna State without the knowledge and the consent of the owner, and refused to respond to the owner’s calls when he demanded for the return of his vehicle.” Oyebade stated, adding that this led to police investigation into the whereabouts of Lawal and the vehicle.

 

The police commissioner further said that when Lawal was arrested, he confessed to have sold the vehicle, leading to the arrest of other suspects.

 

Exhibits recovered from the gang include a Toyota Sequiao SUV, 13 vehicle particulars, nine forged Customs paper, number plate with registration number BH 299 BKA and other documents.