The Kwara State Police Command has dismantled a car theft syndicate that stole a Toyota Camry in Omu-Aran and demanded a N1 million ransom from the owner.

The vehicle, belonging to Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi, was allegedly stolen after he parked it in front of his residence, opposite St Paul Primary School. By the following morning, the car had vanished.

Our correspondent learnt that approximately four days later, the victim allegedly received a call from an unknown person claiming to possess the car and demanding N1 million for its return. The caller reportedly threatened that the owner would never see the vehicle again if he failed to pay.

Police spokeswoman Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident during a telephone conversation on Sunday.

She further explained that "following the intervention of the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, a discreet investigation was launched, which led to the arrest of one Adeyeye Abiodun of Itedo Isanlu, Kogi State, who confessed to stealing the car.

He further revealed that he sold it to one Ahmed Garba of Yado Zungerima, along New Bussa, Niger State."

She added that the Toyota Camry has been recovered and both suspects have been charged to court.