How FCT Police Smashed Notorious Car Theft Syndicate, Recovered Vehicles
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory FCT Police Command says its operatives have smashed a notorious car theft cartel known for rebranding stolen cars and reselling them.
The Command, on its X handle on Sunday, explained how its operatives used the digital tracking technology installed in the car to track it and arrest the suspects.
The Central Police Divisional Headquarters on October 10, 2024, received a report from one Philemon Olaoluwa, to the effect that his vehicle, a grey 2006 Honda Accord with registration number RBC 40 NW, was stolen.
According to him, he took his car for repairs after his car developed a mechanical fault, to a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu (currently at large), recommended to him by a friend. Mr. Olaoluwa unaware of the motives of the mechanic, released his vehicle with its documents inside the car.
But Saidu, instead of repairing disappeared with the car. Operatives tracked the car to Rayfield, Jos in Plateau State, where it was discovered with Steven Abang—a notorious suspect known for receiving, rebranding and selling off stolen vehicles.
Abang confessed that he received the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.
At Abang’s workshop, two other vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208, suspected to be stolen as well, were found in the process of being rebranded.
Abang admitted to having 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 to court following further investigations”, the Command stated, while urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat car theft and other crimes in FCT to the FCT Police emergency lines.
The lives are given as: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.
PPRO FCT: 07038979348
