By Elijah Adah
Operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have successfully dismantled a car theft syndicate involved in receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles.
A statement released by the police on Sunday revealed that the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of a Honda Accord, which led authorities to a mechanic’s workshop in Plateau State.
The statement detailed that on October 10, 2024, a man identified as Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa reported to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters that his Honda Accord (2006 model, ash in colour, with registration number RBC 40 NW) had been stolen.
According to the report, Mr. Olaoluwa’s car had developed a mechanical fault, and a friend had recommended a mechanic, Abdulhamid Saidu, based in Apo Mechanic Village, FCT. Unaware of Saidu’s criminal intentions, Olaoluwa handed over the car and its registration documents for repairs.
However, instead of fixing the car, Saidu reportedly disappeared with it. The statement added that using advanced 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 one Steven Abang, a notorious suspect known for dealing in stolen vehicles.
During interrogation, Abang confessed to receiving the stolen Honda Accord from Saidu, his accomplice. Police also discovered two additional stolen vehicles — a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 — in the process of being rebranded at Abang’s workshop.
Abang admitted that he had rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years and had ready buyers waiting for the rebranded vehicles.
Abang is currently in police custody and will face charges in court following further investigation. The FCT Police Command has assured the public that it will continue to fight car theft and other forms of criminal activity in the region.
