The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it has smashed a suspected car theft syndicate, which specialised in receiving and rebranding stolen vehicles.
One of the suspects is a mechanic based in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who has been identified as Abdulhamid Saidu.
The feat was achieved under the leadership of Command’s Commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu.
A complainant’s vehicle, which was stolen in the FCT by his client, a mechanic, was tracked to a workshop in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where the vehicle was about to be rebranded and then sold to an awaiting buyer.
Disu explained that on October 10, 2024, Philemon Olaoluwa reported to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters after his vehicle, a Honda Accord 2006 model, ash colour, with registration number: RBC 40 NW, was stolen.
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Olaoluwa’s car developed a mechanical fault, a friend recommended he engage Saidu, a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, who is currently at large.
Disu said: “Olaoluwa, unaware of the motives of the mechanic, released his vehicle with its documents inside the car.
“But instead of repairing it, Saidu disappeared with the car.
“Thanks to Digital Tracking technology installed in the vehicle, FCT Police Command 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 additional vehicles – a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 – were likely stolen as well, in the process of being rebranded.
“Abang admitted to having ready buyers on standby whom he has rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles to in the past four years.
“Abang is now in custody and will be charged in court following further investigations.
“Let’s remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat car theft and other crimes in FCT.”
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