The police, while parading them on Monday, said a soldier was being trailed for aiding the suspects.
The police said the tyres were owned by a businessman in Apapa and were valued at about N20m.
It was learnt that the tyres were stolen at a warehouse in Apapa and were being taken to Sagamu, Ogun State, for sale when they were intercepted in Ijebu Ode by policemen, who had been on their trail.
It was gathered that Michael, who acted as the owner of the goods, had approached the blind suspect to help him get a waybill so the security agents would not question his ownership of the items.
Iruanya, who was released from Kirikiri Prison for stealing in 2010, was said to have provided the waybill, which listed the stolen items and the destination, after a promise of N100,000 from the proceeds.
Iruanya said he needed money to treat his eyes, adding that he did not know the tyres were stolen.
He said, “I was a transporter and had many cars. I was arrested in 2010 for stealing some spare parts, but I was later released. I became blind in 2012. My friend, Michael, came to me that he needed a waybill. I got it at Tincan in Apapa and he promised to give me N100,000 to treat my eyes.
“He and I were at Sagamu waiting for the truck to arrive when the police arrested us. I did not know the content of the truck and whether the items were stolen.”
The driver, Francis, said the tarpaulin they used to cover the goods had torn and were trying to replace it when the police swooped on them at Ijebu Ode.
“It was a friend, Peter that invited me to the deal. But he fled at Ijebu Ode while we were looking for a tarpaulin to cover the tyres,” he said.
The truck conductor, 30-year-old Chinoso, confessed to the crime, saying he was promised N150,000.
Police say the suspects will be charged to court to account for their action.
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