Authorities have apprehended a suspected car thief infamous for stealing vehicles in Abuja and rebranding them for sale in Jos. Get the latest on the arrest and police efforts to curb car theft.
The Nigeria Police Force’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command has arrested Steven Abang, a man reportedly infamous for dealing with, modifying, and selling stolen vehicles.
Operatives from the FCT Police Command allegedly tracked a stolen vehicle to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where Abang was apprehended.
Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh stated on Sunday that Abang admitted to having sold over 16 stolen vehicles to eager buyers during the last four years. He not only confessed to the crime but also revealed that he altered these vehicles prior to selling them.
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Adeh confirmed that Abang is presently in custody and will face legal charges once additional investigations are completed.
The statement states: “On October 10, 2024, Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa went to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters to report the theft of his vehicle—a Honda Accord from 2006, ash-colored with registration number RBC 40 NW.”
Mr. Olaoluwa’s car experienced a mechanical issue, and a friend suggested that he consult Abdulhamid Saidu (who is currently unavailable), a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village in FCT.
Unaware of the mechanic’s intentions, Mr. Olaoluwa handed over his vehicle with the documents still inside. Rather than repairing it, Saidu made off with the car instead.
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With the help of Digital Tracking technology installed in the vehicle, operatives from the FCT Police Command located it in Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. There, they discovered Steven Abang—a notorious individual known for dealing with altering and selling stolen vehicles—in possession of it.
Abang admitted that he had obtained the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.
At Abang’s workshop, two more vehicles—a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208—were found undergoing modifications, indicating they might also have been stolen.
Abang confessed to having a network of buyers and had rebranded and sold more than 16 stolen vehicles over the last four years.
Abang is currently in custody and will face charges in court following further investigations.
We encourage everyone to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to help combat car theft and other crimes in the FCT. In case of emergencies, please reach out through the following FCT Police emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, or 07057337653. You can also contact PCB at 09022222352 or CRU at 08107314192. For PPRO inquiries in FCT, dial: 07038979348.
