By Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Austin Anthony (44) and Mansur Abubakar (32), for their involvement in a car theft syndicate.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufai, the arrests were made following a swift response to a distress call.
The suspects were apprehended on December 5, 2024, after a complaint by Adamu Muhammad and Kabiru Shehu, whose vehicles—a Corolla LE (ash colour) and a Pontiac Vibe—were stolen in the Badon Barade area of Sokoto.
“The police swiftly swung into action, alerting checkpoints along the Birnin-Kebbi Road, where one of the stolen vehicles was found being driven by one of the suspects,” Rufai stated.
Further investigations led to the recovery of two additional vehicles and the arrest of another suspect linked to the syndicate.
Notably, Austin Anthony had previously been arrested on August 28, 2024, for possessing three stolen vehicles and was arraigned in court for similar offences.
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency phone number: 08032345167.