Benue Police Recover Motorcycle Stolen by Student's 'Lover' in Deceptive Romance Scam
The Benue State Police Command has successfully recovered a motorcycle stolen from a female student by a man she described as her 'lover,' exposing a troubling case of betrayal and theft under the guise of a romantic relationship.
Details of the Alleged Theft and Deception
The victim, a student at the College of Education in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, reported that the suspect, identified as Mr. Aondoaseer Hyacinth Iortyom, manipulated her trust through a fabricated romantic connection. According to her account, their initial encounter occurred at Ugbema Junction while she was traveling for a weekend trip. The suspect requested a lift, claiming he was also heading toward Turan-Kwande.
After arriving in Jato-Aka, where he reportedly became stranded, the student assisted him by securing free accommodation. She later dropped him off at Ugbema Junction the following day as he proceeded to Gboko, while she returned to Katsina-Ala. The relationship allegedly progressed from this point, with the suspect visiting her at the school campus on multiple occasions.
The Fateful Day of the Crime
On the day of the incident, the suspect accompanied the student to her campus to sign some documents. While she waited for her turn, he asked for her motorcycle keys under the pretense of purchasing food for her. Instead of completing this errand, he diverted to her residence, retrieved her room key from its storage place, and accessed the room.
Inside, he removed several valuable items, including her motorcycle, a gas cylinder, perfume, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Since the theft, the suspect has ceased all communication, refusing to answer her calls. Attempts by third parties to contact him have also been unsuccessful, with reports indicating that calls were consistently declined.
Police Intervention and Recovery
Human rights activist Elder Sughnen Yaaya confirmed the development on Thursday, February 12, 2026, stating that the police have since recovered the stolen motorcycle and officially returned it to the student. In a statement, Yaaya praised the Benue State Police Command for their swift action, noting that a proper handover was conducted.
He also commented on the broader implications of the case, highlighting the emotional and material impact on the victim. While the motorcycle has been recovered, questions remain regarding the other stolen items, including the gas cylinder, perfumes, and cash. Investigations are ongoing to locate these valuables and apprehend the suspect.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that can arise in personal relationships, particularly when trust is exploited for criminal gain. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and the potential risks of romantic entanglements with individuals whose intentions may not be genuine.
The community and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the full resolution of this case. The Benue State Police Command continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing such crimes and supporting victims in the region.
