…Arrest 26 suspects
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended 26 suspected members of a sophisticated car theft syndicate operating around Port Harcourt.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olatunji Disu, who stated thius while parading the suspects said the operation revealed the intricate workings of the criminal network responsible for the theft of more than 40 cars since January 2023.
He said the syndicate, comprising individuals from various states, utilized a range of illegal methods to acquire vehicles, including snatching cars at gunpoint, stealing parked vehicles using spare and master keys, and even utilizing native doctors to evade arrest.
CP Disu said: “Their operations spanned across multiple locations, including Akpajo, Eleme Junction, Trailer Park, Eleme, Owerri, Aba, and Onitsha, with a scrap yard in Mgbuka-Obosi, Onitsha, serving as a hub for dismantling stolen vehicles for spare parts.
“The arrest of two key gang leaders, Chidozie Anthony Onyekwe and Kelechi Uzo-Igwe, along with their accomplices, marks a significant victory for law enforcement in Rivers State. Chidozie, the mastermind behind the syndicate, was apprehended while fixing his car tyres at a vulcaniser’s shop in Igwuruta, while Kelechi, a mechanic and electrician, specialized in disabling digital trackers in stolen cars, facilitating their resale or disassembly for spare parts”.
Other notable arrests the commissioner of police stated includes Isaac Udofia, Godwin Udota, Ikechukwu Eyinaya, Chibueze Dominic, Justice Saturday, and Sunday Okah, each playing various roles within the criminal network, from car break-ins to transportation and sale of stolen vehicles.
Furthermore, the police said its men successfully apprehended suspects involved in receiving and selling stolen vehicles, including Musa Usman and Mohamed Hassan, who were intercepted while transporting stolen vehicles to Northern Nigeria.
In a separate operation, the police also arrested Monday Igbali, a former police sergeant dismissed for criminal activities, who continued to operate as a fake police inspector orchestrating car thefts. Monday’s arrest led to the recovery of three stolen cars.
CP Disu commended the dedication and diligence of the police officers involved in the operation, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating organized crime.
He noted that the successful dismantling of the car theft syndicate reflects the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of residents.
