THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police command, has arrested the leader of a car theft syndicate, Steven Abang, who specialises in receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen cars.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday, November 10, by the command’s spokesperson, Joseph Adeh, in Abuja.
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 colour with registration number RBC 40 NW, was stolen.
It added that Olaoluwa’s car developed a mechanical fault, and a friend recommended he engage a mechanic from the Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu (currently at large). Olaoluwa, unaware of the mechanic’s motives, released his vehicle with its documents inside the car, but instead of repairing it, Saidu disappeared with the vehicle.
“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— likely stolen as well, in the process of being rebranded were also discovered.
“Abang admitted to having ready buyers on standby whom he has sold over 16 stolen vehicles to in the past four years,” the command stated.
The FCT police stated that Abang is now in custody and will be charged to court following further investigations.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat car theft and other crimes in FCT.
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