Man arrested in Lagos for Stealing Neighbor’s Car
Man arrested by operatives of the Ebute Ero Police Division in Lagos State during a routine patrol for allegedly stealing his neighbor’s car. The suspect, identified as Jackson Abraham, was found in possession of a Mitsubishi Space Wagon, ash in color, which had been reported stolen from a parking lot in Ogun State.
According to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Abraham was flagged down and questioned after officers noticed suspicious behavior while he was driving the vehicle along a surveillance route. A quick check of the car’s registration and ownership details revealed it had been listed as stolen.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man arrested, Abraham, and the vehicle’s rightful owner reside at the same address. This raised concerns that the theft may have been premeditated, exploiting familiarity and proximity to access the vehicle without resistance.
Man arrested, Jackson Abraham, was apprehended during a standard patrol. He was found driving a vehicle reported stolen from Ogun State,” Hundeyin told PUNCH Metro. “The car was recovered intact and immediately secured at the police station. We have since contacted the rightful owner, who had previously filed a theft report with the Ogun State Police Command.
Man arrested During Routine Police Patrol With Stolen Vehicle
Hundeyin further noted that the police are working with their counterparts in Ogun State to facilitate the transfer of the suspect and the recovered vehicle. This will allow the Ogun State authorities, under whose jurisdiction the theft occurred, to continue the investigation and determine whether Abraham acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate.
The suspect remains in police custody as the case develops. Formal charges are expected to be filed after the handover process is complete. The charges may include auto theft, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of stolen property.
In the wake of the incident, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunwa Olukayode, emphasized the police command’s zero-tolerance stance on vehicle theft and called on residents to remain vigilant. He also highlighted the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety.
“Vehicle theft is a serious crime that undermines the sense of security in our communities,” said CP Olukayode. “Our officers are actively patrolling neighborhoods and responding swiftly to reports. But we also rely on the eyes and ears of the public. We urge all residents to report suspicious individuals and activities without hesitation.”
The Commissioner lauded the efforts of the officers involved in the arrest, commending their alertness and professionalism. He noted that successes like this are crucial in building public trust and reducing criminal activity on the streets of Lagos.
Meanwhile, community members in the suspect’s neighborhood expressed shock at the man arrested, with some saying they had never suspected Abraham of any wrongdoing. “He seemed like a quiet person. We didn’t expect this from him,” said one resident who requested anonymity.
Others praised the quick action of the police and called for increased patrols, particularly in residential areas. “This shows the importance of routine checks. It’s reassuring to know the police are on the ground and being proactive,” another resident added.
As the investigation continues, police are exploring the possibility that the man arrested could be linked to a broader pattern of vehicle thefts reported in recent months. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on car theft and returning stolen property to rightful owners.
Man arrested, Jackson Abraham, will remain in custody until he is formally handed over to Ogun State police for prosecution. His arrest marks a small but significant victory in the ongoing fight against urban crime and serves as a warning to those considering similar acts.
Source- Punch
