The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have apprehended a suspected car thief, Steven Abang, in Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, following the theft of a Honda Accord from Abuja.
The arrest, confirmed in a statement on Sunday by FCT Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh, was prompted by a complaint from Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa. He reported that his ash-colored 2006 Honda Accord, with registration number RBC 40 NW, had been stolen. Mr. Olaoluwa explained that his vehicle had developed a mechanical fault, and a friend recommended he contact a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu, who is now at large. Trusting the recommendation, Olaoluwa handed over his vehicle and its documents to Saidu. However, rather than fixing the car, Saidu disappeared with it.
Utilizing digital tracking technology installed in the vehicle, police operatives traced the car to Abang’s workshop in Jos. There, Abang, known for handling and rebranding stolen vehicles, was found with the Honda Accord. During questioning, Abang admitted to receiving the vehicle from Saidu, who is currently evading capture. Two other vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208, were also found in Abang’s workshop, both suspected of being stolen and in the process of rebranding.
Abang further confessed to having a network of buyers to whom he had allegedly sold over 16 rebranded stolen vehicles over the past four years. The FCT Police confirmed that Abang remains in custody and will face charges once the investigation is completed.
