Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have dismantled a suspected car theft syndicate, arresting four persons and recovering five stolen vehicles in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state. The command said the arrests were carried out by its Violent Crime Response Unit following actionable intelligence, describing the development as a breakthrough in efforts to curb organised vehicle theft.
Police spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed in a statement that the operation followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and was executed under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju.
According to the statement, the operation began on April 10, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m., when operatives arrested Paul Nwabueze Jude, 46, at Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpor Local Council. The police said the suspect had been on the run over his alleged involvement in a previously reported vehicle theft case. His arrest followed earlier operations in November 2025, during which his alleged accomplice, Uju Molokai, 32, was apprehended and a stolen Toyota Hilux recovered, while Jude escaped.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the earlier crime and other vehicle theft operations,” the statement said, adding that he disclosed that the syndicate operated as a four-man gang. Acting on the confession, operatives tracked and arrested three other suspects identified as Dike Micheal, 46, Uzomba Darlington, 47, and Emyinnaya Eugene.
The police said exhibits recovered from the suspects include two Toyota Hilux trucks and three Toyota Sienna vehicles, all believed to have been stolen. Further investigations, the command said, revealed the existence of a key receiver of stolen vehicles who remains at large and is suspected to be in possession of more stolen cars. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspect and recover additional vehicles.
Adepoju urged residents to adopt preventive measures, including installing tracking and anti-theft devices and avoiding leaving valuables in parked vehicles. He also called on the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, noting that timely information remains vital to crime prevention. The command provided emergency contact lines, including those of the Complaint Response Unit and Control Room, assuring residents of prompt response to distress calls. It reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and enhancing public safety.
In a related development, the command defended the detention of a suspect, Clement Johnson, following allegations that he was held for 10 days without charge, stating that the action was backed by a valid court order and in line with existing laws. Kaborlo said the detention was carried out under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), specifically Section 296, which allows for the remand of suspects under judicial authorisation. The command was responding to a report by an Abuja-based online newspaper that questioned the legality of Johnson’s detention over his alleged involvement in the theft of goods valued at N43 million. Despite the clarification, the police leadership has ordered a review of the case. Adepoju directed a thorough investigation to ensure adherence to due process.
