The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully broken up a notorious car theft syndicate, arresting one of its members and recovering several stolen vehicles. The operation was carried out with the help of digital tracking technology, which played a key role in locating the stolen cars.
On November 10, 2024, SP Josephine Adeh, the police spokesperson, announced that Steven Abang, a key member of the gang, had been arrested in Jos, Plateau State. Abang was known for receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles. During questioning, he admitted to selling over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years.
The story began on October 10, 2024, when Philemon Olaoluwa reported his car—a 2006 Honda Accord—stolen. The car had developed a mechanical fault, and a friend recommended a mechanic named Abdulhamid Saidu from the Apo Mechanic Village in FCT. Unaware of Saidu’s intentions, Mr. Olaoluwa handed over his vehicle, including its documents, for repairs. However, Saidu disappeared with the car instead of fixing it.
Using the vehicle’s tracking system, the police traced it to Rayfield, Jos, where they discovered it in the possession of Steven Abang. At his workshop, they found two additional cars—a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208—that were suspected to be stolen and being rebranded.
Abang confessed that he had received the Honda Accord from Saidu and had a network of buyers for stolen vehicles. He admitted that, over the last four years, he had rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles.
Abang is now in custody, and investigations are ongoing. He will face charges in court once the investigation is completed.
The FCT Police Command is urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The police also encouraged residents to reach out to their emergency lines for assistance in preventing car theft and other crimes in the region.
For more information or to report suspicious activity, you can contact the following emergency numbers:
- 08032003913
- 08028940883
- 08061581938
- 07057337653
- PCB: 09022222352
- CRU: 08107314192
- PPRO FCT: 07038979348
Let’s work together to keep our communities safe from crime.
