Operatives of the police command in the Federal Capital Territory have busted a car theft syndicate in Plateau State and arrested one Steven Abang, allegedly notorious for receiving, rebranding and selling stolen vehicles. 

The command, in a statement on its X handle on Sunday, said the suspect was arrested after a car owner, Philemon Olaoluwa, reported the theft of his vehicle by a mechanic.

It read, “On October 10, 2024, Mr Philemon Olaoluwa 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. 

“Mr Olaoluwa’s car developed a mechanical fault; 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.”

The police, however, stated that Mr Olaoluwa’s car was tracked to Rayfield in Jos, with the aid of a digital tracking technology already installed in the vehicle, and recovered it from the suspect.

According to the police, the suspect confessed to receiving Mr Olaoluwa’s vehicle from his fleeing accomplice, Mr 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.”

“Abang admitted to having ready buyers on standby whom he has rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles to in the past four years.”

Stating that Mr Abang is now in custody and will be charged to court after the investigation, the command urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help combat car theft and other crimes in FCT.