Police arrest 26 suspected car snatchers, ex-covicts, others in Rivers

26 alleged vehicle snatchers, including five ex-convicts, have been taken into custody by the Rivers State Police Command. This comes after the group busted a ring that was selling stolen cars to eager purchasers outside the state. 

According to the police, there had been multiple reports of stolen cars, some of which had been taken from victims both inside and outside of Port Harcourt at gunpoint. This led to the arrest. A phoney police inspector was also taken down, and three expensive cars were found inside of him.

A phoney police inspector was also taken down, and three expensive cars were found inside of him. This was revealed by state police commissioner Olatunji Disu when he paraded the suspects and the recovered vehicles in front of reporters soon after the media briefing at the Port Harcourt command centre. 

Disu conveyed his delight with the arrests, emphasising that the command's prompt deployment of its tactical unit and investigators led to the capture of Chidozie Anthony Onyekwe and Kelechi Uzogwe, who were identified as the syndicate's leaders.

He stated, “Today, I’m very happy to inform you that about 26 suspects who specialise in stealing vehicles, robbing motorists, and snatching their cars have been arrested.

“Our greatest joy is the arrest of Chidozie Anthony Onyekwe and Kelechi Uzogwe. Chidozie is the leader of persons who come into Rivers State to steal cars. Not only does he come in here, but he also trained his men well before bringing them to come and perpetrate their crimes here. He is linked to all the other suspects arrested at one time or the other over this same crime of stealing cars.

“At the same time, Kelechi Uzogwe is an expert in removing trackers from vehicles. Almost all the vehicles stolen from Rivers State must pass through Kelechi for him to remove the trackers for them. He is also a mechanic and rewires at the same time.

“Most of these cars stolen are taken to Anambra, Kano, and some find their way outside the country. The cars were taken to Mgbuka-Obosi, Onitsha in Obosi in Anambra State where they are cut to pieces and sold as scraps.”

Source