By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Sokoto Command Commissioner of Police AHMED MUSA, psc, share significant breakthrough of the command by arresting fake Soldier and notorious car theft syndicate in the state.
The suspects Austin Anthony ‘m’ 44 years and Mansur Abubakar ’m’ aged 32 years were arrested on the 05/12/2024 at about 0600hrs when a Complaint of car theft was reported by One Adamu Muhammad ‘M’ and Kabiru Shehu all ‘M’ of Badon Barade Area Sokoto.
The Commissioner who spoke through his Public Relations Officer said that on the same date at about 0400hrs their Motor vehicles Toyota Corolla LE Ash colour and Pontiac Vibe were Stolen.
On receipt of the information Policemen attached to Strike Unit of the Command swung into action and alerted the Police check point along Birnin-Kebbi Road where one of the stolen vehicles driven by one Austin Anthony ‘M’ of Delta State, a notorious gang leader terrorising the state who specialized in car theft and was on a high watch list of the command was intercepted by the Police patrol team of Bodinga Division.
The suspect introduced himself to the police officer as a military personnel in other to get away with the said vehicle.
In the course of Investigation, the suspect confessed to the crime, two additional vehicles were recovered from him and one other suspect Mansur Abubakar ‘M’ of Gidan Dare Area Sokoto was arrested, the said Austin Anthony mentioned 5 other gang members residing in different states of the country, investigation will be extended to their various locations with a view to arrest them.
Investigation was extended and the following items were recovered in his possession; Complete set of Army Uniform with the rank of Major which he has been using to avert securities attention; 7 Fabricated Master Keys and 5 bunches of Motor Vehicle keys; 1 Army ID Card with rank of Major and 3 sets of Motor Vehicle Plate Numbers.
Other items are 1 Banner of Nigerian Army; 2 Army Stamps and 3 Sets of Shoulder badges of Nigerian Army.
Prior to this, the said suspect Austin Anthony was arrested by Policemen attached to CID in possession of Three Stolen vehicles and was arraigned in court on the 28/8/2024 for the same offence. The suspect who is an unrepentant criminal is presently on court bail.
As soon as the investigation is completed suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Ahmed Musa, psc has reaffirmed the commitment of the Sokoto State Police Command to apprehend all the fleeing suspects and assured the public that the Police will continue in it’s efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, particularly those involved in violent crimes.
He stressed that the command will maintain its aggressive stance against criminals and also ensure the safety and security of the good people of the state.
The Commissioner of Police then lauded the good people of Sokoto State, urging them to remain vigilant, law-abiding and continue to support the police in maintaining peace, law and order in Sokoto state.
