Operatives from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have dismantled a car theft syndicate responsible for receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles.
A statement by the command on Sunday revealed that the operation followed an investigation tracing the theft of a Honda Accord to a mechanic’s workshop in Plateau State.
According to the statement on October 10, 2024, one Philemon Olaoluwa reported to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters after his vehicle — a Honda Accord 2006 model, ash in colour with registration number RBC 40 NW —was stolen.
It added that the car had developed a mechanical fault; a friend recommended that he engage a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu, currently at large.
Unaware of the mechanic’s criminal intentions, Olaoluwa was reported to have handed over the car, along with its registration documents, for repair. The police disclosed that instead of repairing it, Saidu disappeared with the car.
The command also stated that using advanced digital tracking technology installed in the vehicle, the police traced the stolen car to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where it was found in the possession of Steven Abang, a notorious suspect known for receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles.
Upon interrogation, Abang reportedly confessed to receiving the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.
The statement continued, “At Abang’s workshop, two additional vehicles — a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 — were found, likely stolen as well, in the process of being rebranded.
The command disclosed that Abang admitted to having had ready buyers on standby, to whom he had rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years. Abang is now in custody and will be charged in court following further investigations.
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