The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested eight individuals linked to a coordinated car theft syndicate operating in Abuja and other locations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrest of a couple, Yusuf Yunusa and Blessing Yusuf, for their involvement in car theft activities.
According to Adeh, Blessing confessed to purchasing Toyota master keys from the online marketplace Jumia, which her husband used to steal vehicles. She also admitted to playing a role in distracting people during the thefts.
“On 19th April 2025, following the report of a stolen gold Toyota Corolla (Reg No. ABC 570 FJ) from the Federal Secretariat, operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad arrested one Yusuf Yunusa,” the statement read.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of his wife, Blessing Yusuf, on 25th April in Kwali Area Council. She confessed to purchasing Toyota master keys from the Jumia online marketplace, which her husband used to steal vehicles, while she created distractions to facilitate the crimes.”
The command also apprehended five other suspects — Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen — in connection with the theft of a black Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC E-400 reportedly stolen in Lekki, Lagos.
Adeh explained that the arrests followed a tip-off from a car buyer in Life Camp who raised concerns about the suspicious vehicle, registered as AAA 07 KA.
“Upon investigation, it was confirmed stolen from Lekki, Lagos. Five suspects were arrested and identified as Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen,” she said.
“The stolen vehicle was recovered and the suspects confessed to stealing it from their employer.”
In a separate incident, a driver identified as George Idung was caught attempting to sell his employer’s vehicle in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. The car belonged to Chinwenze Chinaza.
Adeh noted that all suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded. She also conveyed a message from FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, urging the public to take preventive measures.
“The CP advises residents to install tracking devices in their vehicles, avoid parking in isolated areas, and confirm vehicle ownership before making a purchase,” she added.
