According to Punch, the recovery followed an investigation ordered by the incumbent Police IG, Ibrahim Idris, into  the purchase and distribution of vehicles under Arase.

The Special Investigation Panel in charge of the investigation traced 24 cars to the former police boss but recovered 19 so far - the recovered vehicles include, assorted sedans, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and pick-up vans, it was learnt.

"We are making progress in our investigations. We were able to trace 24 vehicles to the former IG and we have recovered 19 already," a senior police official told the newspaper.

"He (Arase) has yet to release the remaining five, but we won’t let up until we recover all the vehicles. We have pictures of the vehicles and they have been documented, so he can’t deny it, the recovery is a fact."

Arase had denied being in possession of 24 cars belonging to the force, saying "What am I going to do with 24 cars? Do I want to open a car shop?"

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The former IG had also described the accusation as "malicious" and a "media propaganda."