The police operation also led to the discovery of two additional vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208, at Abang’s workshop.
Abuja – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully dismantled a car theft syndicate involved in receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles.
This operation follows an intensive investigation tracing a stolen Honda Accord to a mechanic workshop in Plateau State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred after the theft of a Honda Accord belonging to Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa was reported. The vehicle, a 2006 ash-colored Honda Accord with the registration number RBC 40 NW, was stolen on October 10, 2024.
According to the statement, Mr. Olaoluwa had experienced a mechanical issue with his car and sought help from a mechanic recommended by a friend. The mechanic, identified as Abdulhamid Saidu from Apo Mechanic Village in the FCT, has since absconded with the vehicle. The police revealed that Olaoluwa had unknowingly entrusted the car, along with its registration documents, to Saidu, who disappeared instead of carrying out the repairs.
The police further explained that the stolen car was tracked using advanced digital technology to Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. There, it was discovered in the possession of a suspect, Steven Abang, who is notorious for handling stolen vehicles. Abang is said to specialize in rebranding and reselling these cars.
“Upon interrogation, Abang confessed to receiving the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu, who remains at large,” the statement said.
The police operation also led to the discovery of two additional vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208, at Abang’s workshop. The cars were in the process of being rebranded, and authorities suspect they were also stolen. Abang allegedly admitted that he had sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years to pre-arranged buyers.
The statement confirmed that Abang is in custody and will be charged in court once investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplice, Saidu.
This case follows a similar incident in June, when the Lagos State Police Command arrested a car thief, Kazeem Ahmed, in the Ikorodu area. Ahmed was known for using fabricated master keys to steal vehicles, which he later sold to auto parts dealers in Ladipo Market.
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