Police bust notorious car theft syndicate, arrest suspect, recover 3 stolen vehicles

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police has confirmed the arrest of a suspected car thief, Steven Abang in Plateau State.

A statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said the arrest followed a complaint by one Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa, who reported to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters after his vehicle, a Honda Accord 2006 model, ash in colour with registration number RBC 40 NW was stolen.

She explained that Mr Olaoluwa’s car developed a mechanical fault and a “friend recommended he engage a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu, (currently at large.

“Mr 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— likely stolen as well, were 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 to court following further investigations”.