Police arrest suspected Abuja car thief notorious for selling rebranded vehicles in Jos – Newstrends
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Police arrest suspected Abuja car thief notorious for selling rebranded vehicles in Jos

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Police arrest suspected Abuja car thief notorious for selling rebranded vehicles in Jos

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended Steven Abang, a man alleged to be notorious for handling, altering, and selling stolen vehicles.

Operatives from the FCT Police Command reportedly tracked a stolen car to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where Abang was taken into custody.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, on Sunday, Abang confessed to selling more than 16 stolen vehicles to willing buyers over the past four years. He not only admitted to the crime but also disclosed that he modified these vehicles before selling them.

Adeh confirmed that Abang is currently in custody and will face legal charges following the completion of further investigations.

The statement reads: “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, and a friend recommended he engage a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu (currently at large).

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“Mr. Olaoluwa, unaware of the mechanic’s intentions, handed over his vehicle with the documents left inside. Instead of repairing it, Saidu absconded with the car.

“Thanks to Digital Tracking technology installed in the vehicle, FCT Police Command operatives tracked it to Rayfield, Jos in Plateau State, where it was found with Steven Abang—a notorious figure known for handling, altering, and selling stolen vehicles.

“Abang confessed that he had received the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.

“At Abang’s workshop, two additional vehicles—a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208—were discovered in the process of being altered, suggesting they too may have been stolen.

“Abang admitted to having a network of buyers for whom he had rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years.

“Abang is now in custody and will be charged to court following further investigations.

“We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist in tackling car theft and other crimes in the FCT. For emergencies, please contact the FCT Police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192. PPRO FCT: 07038979348.”

Police arrest suspected Abuja car thief notorious for selling rebranded vehicles in Jos

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.

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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

 

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

At least 94 illegal occupants and squatters along the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba were arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce in an early morning sting operation on Wednesday.

During the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs—such as Indian hemp, colorado, and other harmful drugs—were seized, along with various weapons.

It was gathered that those arrested attempted to resist the task force’s actions.

In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.

He added that the agency dismantled shanties and makeshift structures along the railway corridor, clearing a distance of some kilometers.

The Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele explained that the eviction aimed to provide relief for residents around the Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes, following numerous complaints from the public about criminal activities in the area.

He noted that the squatting had violated environmental and sanitary regulations.

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Akerele also highlighted the health and safety risks posed by the presence of squatters along the rail corridor.

He warned the evicted individuals not to return and assured residents and train passengers that regular patrols and surveillance would be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of shanties in the area.

“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law,” Akerele was quoted as saying.

Speaking on the raid, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that a locally fabricated short gun was recovered.

“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation; a locally fabricated short gun and several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be indian hemp, charm and a jack knife were recovered.

“The suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Wahab stated in a post on X.

 

94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has swept out all Board, Parastatal, and Agency appointees from his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in a decisive move to overhaul the state’s public service.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and Permanent Secretaries brought in from outside the state Civil Service.

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The statement reads:

“For the information of the general public, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.

“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.”

Affected individuals have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the senior Public Officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

 

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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