The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismantled a major car theft syndicate involved in the rebranding and resale of stolen vehicles.
The operation led to the recovery of several cars, including a Honda Accord reported missing by its owner in Abuja.
In a statement released on Sunday, the police disclosed that their investigation began after Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa reported his Honda Accord 2006 model, registered as RBC 40 NW, stolen.
The theft reportedly occurred after Olaoluwa entrusted the car to a mechanic recommended by a friend, identified as Abdulhamid Saidu, who remains at large.
Olaoluwa had handed the car over to Saidu at Apo Mechanic Village in the FCT, providing both the vehicle and its registration documents. “Instead of repairing the car, Saidu disappeared with it,” the police noted, highlighting Saidu’s alleged involvement in the theft.
Through digital tracking technology installed in the car, police traced the vehicle to a workshop in Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, where it was found under the possession of Steven Abang, a known receiver of stolen vehicles.
According to the FCT Police Command, Abang is “a notorious suspect” with a history of rebranding and selling stolen cars.
During the raid, authorities discovered two additional vehicles—a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208—in the process of being rebranded at Abang’s workshop. These vehicles are suspected to be stolen as well.
Under interrogation, Abang allegedly admitted that Saidu had supplied him with the Honda Accord.
The suspect further confessed to having an established network of buyers and claimed he had successfully rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the past four years.
“Abang is now in custody and will face charges in court following further investigations,” the police command confirmed.
This incident follows a similar case in June, when the Lagos State Police Command arrested Kazeem Ahmed for allegedly stealing cars using fabricated master keys in the Ikorodu area.
Ahmed reportedly sold stolen cars to auto parts dealers in Ladipo Market, Lagos.
