The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Car theft

  • Man, 39, arraigned over car theft

    A 39-year-old man, Clement Kingsley, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Toyota saloon car.

    Prosecuting Inspector Peter Nwagwu told the court that Clement committed the offence on April 24 at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

    Nwagwu explained that the car marked GG 127 ET belongs to Adetunji Taiwo. It is worth N2.3million.

    Nwagwu said the offence was punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state 2015.

    Clement pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Y.O. Aje-Afunwa granted the defendant N650,000 bail with one ‘responsible’ surety in the like sum.

    She adjourned till July 23.

  • Man jailed five months for car theft

    A Karu Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced a 28-year-old man, Sadiq Aliyu, to five months’ imprisonment for stealing a Toyota Corolla car.

    The convict, of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and begged for leniency.

    The judge, Mr. Hassan Ishaq, however, gave the convict N15, 000 option of fine.

  • Technician arraigned for car ‘theft’

    Technician arraigned for car ‘theft’

    A 30-year-old auto mechanic, Godwin Anthony, who allegedly stole a car valued at N800,000, was yesterday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    Anthony is facing trial on a charge of stealing.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, ASP Edet Okoi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 21 at about 1.10 p.m at 3, Olaribiro Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Okoi said the accused stole a Toyota Camry car marked LSR 320 BB belonging to Gbadebo Abosede.

    He said the complainant alleged that her car was stolen from where it was parked.

    “After series of investigation, the accused was later apprehended by the tracking team of the Nigeria Police who went to the said area and arrested the accused with the car,” he said.

    According to him, the offences contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for stealing.

    Chief Magistrate O. A. Layinka granted the accused N500,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    Layinka adjourned the case till January 22.

  • Abia police parade suspects

    Abia police parade suspects

    Abia State police command has paraded a crop of suspected hoodlums for allegedly committing various criminal offences in Aba, the state’s commercial heartbeat, and other parts of the state.

    The hoodlums, The Nation learnt, were reportedly responsible for heinous crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery and car theft, among others, in different parts of the state.

    The State Commissioner of Police Adeleye Oyebade in a briefing at Umuahia, the state capital, lauded his men for rising to the challenge of insecurity in Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the state.

    Oyebade said some of the suspects were arrested while carrying out the act, others before or after the act, but all nabbed using a well-planned information gathering method.

    He lauded the synergy between the police and other security agencies in the state, stressing that the era when criminal came and operated in the state freely and undetected is gone. He said it is the desire of the police and sister agencies in the state to stop crime before it happens.

    The police said some of the suspects undergoing interrogation would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations into their matter were concluded.

    Oyebade said, “On 23/07/2017 at about 0010hrs, information was received that there was a corpse later identified simply as Prince ‘m’ of Ngwa and works in a bakery at Garki (Catlle Market) Lokpanta reasonably suspected to have been stabbed to death by his fellow cult members. Sequel to the information, the Divisional Crime Officer Isuochi raced to the scene with a team of detectives, removed the corpse to the mortuary and commenced investigation into the incident. The trio of Samuel Chukwuemeka, Abdulazeez Mukaila and Obisike Ekezie all males and members of ‘Red Barger’ confraternity were arrested. The suspects have confessed to the crime, search was conducted in their houses during which the following items were recovered: three red caps, four bangles, two daggers, one Samsung TV with its remote control, one Sony Speaker, one DSTV Decoder and a pair of canvas. The dagger used in the act has been identified in the two recovered. Effort is intensified toward the arrest of other fleeing members of the cult group.

    “On 27/07/2017 at about 1100hrs, responding to a distress call on the presence of strange faces in Nkwoudara Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, patrol team attached to Omoba Division in raced to the scene and with the collaborative efforts of the Vigilante men in the Community, arrested the following four suspects: Chisom Chimezie 19yrs, Ogbonna Onyeka 22yrs, Kingsley Onyemuru 20yrs and Chinonso Madugba 18yrs all males of Osisioma LGA. Search on them resulted in the recovery of the following items: One locally made pistol with two live cartridges, two jack knives, four ATM cards, Wallet containing sum of N9,090.00 and six ID cards. One Uchenna Ikpendu ‘m’ of Ibeku- Ngwa in Osisioma LGA has identified the suspects as hoodlums that snatched from him on gun-point, his brand new Qlink 150 Motorcycle on 23/07/2017 at about 1730hrs in Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South. Discreet investigation is in progress.

    “On 27/07/2017 at about 0500hrs, the operatives attached to the Command’s Dragon Squad Aba acting on a tip off, arrested the duo of Samuel Akoma and Kenneth Ananaba both males in an Hotel room at Aba where the hoodlums lodged after collecting ransom to release their hostage. Two vehicles, including that of the released hostage were recovered.

    “On 24/07/2017 at about 2205hrs along Milverton Area Aba, patrol team attached to Central Police Station Aba while on routine patrol, intercepted one Obasi Chibuike ‘m’ putting on Police bullet proof jacket and extorting motorists. On sighting the patrol team, suspect fled the scene but was over-powered by the team. The following items were recovered from him during search: three live cartridges, one bullet proof, one jack knife and an International Passport. The suspect has however, confessed to being a member of four man robbery gang terrorizing Aba and its environs. Effort is put in place toward arresting the other members of his gang as well as recovering their weapons.

    “On 22/07/2017 at about 1305hrs, PMF 55 men on nipping point duty at Owerrinta acting on a tip off, intercepted a 14 seating Mitsubishi L300 bus with reg. no.SB 639 WER painted white and green and arrested the duo of Chinemere Amamba aged 39yrs and Nnamdi Monday both males of Nmelele Isiala Ngwa South. The suspects abducted one Ijeoma Okereke ‘f’ of Imo State University Owerri at about 1200hrs along Emekuku junction, Douglas road Owerri.

    “On 27/07/2017 at about 0645hrs, acting on a tip off, detectives attached to Abiriba Division arrested the duo of Ifendi Eke and Nwokocha Ndukwe both males of Abiriba who are behind series of house burglary and stealing in the Community. The suspects confessed to the allegation and led the investigation to the arrest of one Arua Uta Agbai ‘m’ of Abiriba that aids them in disposing their loots. Items so far recovered are bags, Electronics, empty carton of plasma TV carted away from the house of a Cameroun based business man, Hon. Agbara Ashiegbu. Investigation is in progress toward recovering more stolen items.

    “On 25/07/2017 at about 0015hrs, a distress call was received from one AzubuikeEjikeme ‘m’ of No. 24 Okigwe Road Aba that his residence was under siege by hoodlums. In response to the call, team of patrol men attached to Central Police Station Aba raced to the scene and laid ambush against the hoodlums during which one Frank Egure ‘m’ of no fixed address was arrested at about 0050hrs with Generating sets and motor tyres. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to have burgled an apartment in the complainant’s residence from where, he carted the recovered items. Similarly, another patrol team attached to the same Division had on 20/07/2017 at about 0015hrs arrested the duo of Joseph Patrick and Chinedu Elewechi both males of no fixed address in their area of responsibility following a distress call received from one Amarachi Patrick ‘f’ of No. 142 Jubilee road Aba on 19/07/2017. Items recovered from the suspects are: One Elemax SH 2900 DX Generator, two Century Stabilizers, one Plasma TV, one truck and assorted drinks. Suspects will be charged to Court as soon as investigation is concluded.

    “On 21/07/2017 at about 2105hrs, a distress call was received from one Ezinne Okorie ‘f’ of No. 132 Terryvin road Aba that while she was making call from her Tecno Y2 GSM phone valued #500,000.00, a group of four armed men accosted her, pointed guns at her and robbed her of the phone. In a swift response, patrol team attached to Central Police Station Aba raced to the scene where the duo of Ugochukwu Ugwumba 22yrs and Goodnews Uwem 18yrs both males were arrested with a machete while others fled with their guns. The suspects confessed to the crime and are leading the investigation toward arresting their cohorts cum recovering the phone.

     

  • 27-year old driver charged with car theft

    The police have arrested a 27-year-old man, Samson Olayode, for allegedly stealing a car in Lagos and attempting to sell it in Ogun State.

    The police said Olayode, a driver, stole the Toyota Camry valued at N650,000 on December 20, from where it was parked at an estate in Ajah, Lagos.

    The Nation learnt that the suspect drove the car to Ijebu, not knowing that Ajah Police Division operatives had been informed and were on his trail.

    Operatives of the Police Area Command in Ijebu swooped on him when he started negotiations to sell the car.

    Olayode was arraigned yesterday before Magistrates A. A. Adetunji in Igbosere, Lagos, on a one-count charge of stealing.

    Prosecuting Corporal Friday Mameh said the defendant committed the offence around 10:30 pm on December 20, at 6, Amidu Street, Ogidan Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos.

    Olayode, he said, stole Toyota Camry marked Lagos MUS 940 DQ, valued at N650,000, belonging to Mr Olaitan Akeem.

    The offence, Mameh added, contravenes Section 285 (10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    Magistrate Adetunji granted Olayode N300,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned the case till January 25.

     

  • Rampant car theft worries police boss in Sokoto

    Mr. Mohammed Abdulkadir, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State command on Friday, expressed concern over rampant cases of theft in Sokoto, the state capital and its environs. Abdulkadir said this on Thursday night in Sokoto in his message to End of Year Dinner and Awards Night organised by the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations( CONSD), Sokoto State Chapter. Mr Anene Innocent, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, represented Abdulkadir at the occasion.

    Abdulkadir said, ”This emerging trend of criminality is prevalent around the Automated Teller Machines of some banks, especially at nights. ” You will park your vehicle with the intention of transacting business and one will later be shocked when he meets an empty space as the car is gone. ”It is a very worrisome situation and the command will not relent in its efforts to contain the obnoxious situation. Abdulkadir, who urged the banks to boost security around their premises, called on the residents to be more proactive and security conscious.

    The state’s Commissioners of Solid Minerals and Health, Alhaji Bello Goronyo and Dr Balarabe Kakale respectively, described NGOs as,” indispensable whistle blowers.” ” They are also the voices of the voiceless and without them, coupled with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), there will be no any development,’’ Goronyo said.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor of the state, Aminu Tambuwal, on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, also commended NGos and CSOs ‘’for their tempo of ” positive partnership.” He was represented by Abdullahi Sarkin-Danko. Also speaking, a member of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sani Yakubu(APC-Gudu), pledged the commitment of the lawmakers to sustain their support for success of the coalition. The Chairman of the Coalition, Ibrahim Shuni, said that the NGOs organised the dinner to show appreciation to their partners, Sokoto State Government and the people of the state.

  • Two UNIBEN students held for alleged car theft

    Two UNIBEN students held for alleged car theft

    Two students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been arrested for allegedly stealing a Toyota Camry car with registration number GRA 388 TN.

    They were arrested on the premises of the institution while allegedly attempting to drive the car away.

    The suspects – Agumi Emumeakor (28) and Oyibochi Victor (19) – were said to have stolen the car from Delta State.

    But it was gathered that policemen and vigilantes traced the car on Sunday from Delta State to where it was parked on the campus.

    The security personnel were said to have kept vigil on the car till yesterday when the suspects attempted to drive it away.

    Sources said a resident informed the police that the suspects usually parked different cars on the same spot and took them away at exactly 7:30 a.m.

    But the suspects, who were paraded before reporters, denied involvement in the alleged theft.

    Victor, who claimed to be a 100-level student in the Department of Accountancy, said he was in the area to take the keys he left inside a car he boarded the previous day when he was arrested.

    The student said he was sitting on his boss’s car when policemen called him a thief.

    Agumi, a 300-level student in the Department of Petroleum Engineering, said he was Victor’s boss, adding that they did not know anything about the stolen car.

    Police Commissioner Chris Ezike, who paraded the suspect before they were conveyed to Delta State, said the stolen car was parked near the students’ hostel inside UNIBEN.

    Ezike noted that the stolen car was parked there because it would be the last place the police would search.

    He said the fight against crime and criminality should be taken back to the families of criminals.

     

  • Man in court for alleged car theft

    Man in court for alleged car theft

    A 35-year-old man, Akeem Oladipupo, has been arraigned before an Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos for stealing a car, 18 kegs of diesel, and a vehicle battery.

    The charge sheet stated that Oladipupo made away with a Daewoo Racer car on August 11, at Anibaba Street, Ikorodu.

    The vehicle, which belongs to one Muri Adeleke, was valued at N300, 000.

    The offence is contrary to Section 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

    The defendant was accused of stealing an Atlas battery valued at N13,000 on the same day from an Opel Astral car with registration number MK 575.

    The third count stated that Oladipupo allegedly stole 18 kegs containing 25-litre of diesel valued at N67,000, belonging to Glo Nigeria Limited.

    Oladipupo also hit one Umen Okon’s Bajaj vehicle while trying to run away.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate A. Oshodi-Makanju granted the accused N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum. The case was adjourned till September 9.

  • AMAC staff alarmed over incessant car theft

    A staff of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has raised alarm over incessant stealing of workers’ cars parked at the car park of the council secretariat.

    Mr. Salisu Kabiru, who was a recent victim said he parked his car in the usual secretariat’s car park which was provided by the council. He said after he had closed for the day’s work, he was surprised to discover that his car has been stolen.

    According to him, he had always been parking his red Saloon, one door, 92 model car, with registration number BS 211 RSH and chassis no. JHMEG 43400SO30708, at the secretariat’s car park since he started working at the council secretariat, but did not think that he will become a victim.

    He further said there have been over four reports of stolen cars at the council secretariat, which made the management to issue a directive for vehicle pass to be designed to vehicle owners, adding that since the directive, nothing has been done towards the design of the vehicle pass.

    “The fact is that we have different security personnel in the secretariat. But I can not really say what they are doing to ensure the safety of lives and property here.

    “The car park has one way that serves as entrance and exit, but somebody will just come and steal cars without any security personnel noticing it.

    “They have been stealing cars there. Cars belonging to a staff in administrative department, an SSS woman’s car and one Civil Defense man’s car, were stolen. When management suggested that vehicle pass tags should be made, they did not do it. If the pass were made, thieves will not be able to come here and steal cars any how.

    “I also blame it on the carelessness and lapses on the part of the security personnel at the secretariat. Whenever you come to the council, you will see them concentrating at the entrance gate, without surveying other parts of the premises. The leadership of the council should do something about this development. It is not good at all,” he said.

  • Car theft worries National Assembly

    Car theft worries National Assembly

    Cases of car theft at the National Assembly car park are assuming a disturbing dimension.

    Security operatives attached to the park are having a tough time keeping thieves away.

    According to findings, an average of a car is stolen daily at the second car park of the Assembly complex. Due to the closure of access roads to the main complex by visitors and some categories of staff of the National Assembly, the two car parks have become grossly inadequate for the barrage of visitors that storm the complex everyday.

    Prior to the deployment of police to the second car park, staff and visitors that used the park.

    According to a security operative who pleaded anonymity, a new twist has been introduced to the crime. He said the new tactics employed by the rogues have made it difficult to stop the theft.

    “These days we have to practically go round the park looking for anyone that is staying back in the cars while the passengers have alighted. The new tactic employed by the thieves is to stay back in the car pretending that they are drivers waiting for their ogas to finish with the business they came here for. We, however, discovered that was not the case in some cases because some of these people have other motives. What they do is that they will stay back pretending to be waiting for their oga but after confirming that the owners of other parked cars have left and no one was looking, with the assistance of another accomplice, they will now begin to unlock their chosen vehicle and if successful, bolt away with it. As I am talking to you, we have caught many of them; in fact, last week, one was seen battling with a car door but before we got there, his accomplice gave him a sign and he escaped.”

    The operative however expressed concern over the inability of the security personnel attached to the park in arresting the situation, saying, most car owners are responsible for the helpless situation the security operatives found themselves in. “We have been trying to discourage people from staying back in the cars, we have to practically move round the park to tell them but some of them are always flexing muscles. They were always quick to tell us that they are the owners and not drivers and that when they finish with what they are doing, they will alight. But this is not right because it leaves us with no option than to leave them and watch from distance but how many cars are we going to attend to in that way with the size of the park”.

    While he appealed to car owners to assist the security operatives by not staying back in their vehicles, the officer pleaded with the Assembly management to consider paving the park. He also enlisted the cooperation of member sof the public.

    “The public has to help us, else cars will continue to miss, which will put a question mark on our presence here. I also want the management to think about making this park decent. With the way it is, it does not project a good image for this institution. Julius Berger is the main contractor here, they even have a yard right here; the management can ask the company to pave the park as part of its corporate social responsibility. It cannot be a big task for Julius Berger or the management. Better still, the management can award the contract. This park is just not decent. When it rains, both cars and their owners are always in trouble, and during the dry season, it’s dust all over everybody. I am sure, they can do it if they really want to assist,” he added.