We sell cars stolen in Nigeria to auto dealers in Benin Republic – suspect
An alleged leader of a car-snatching syndicate, Francis Abubakar, who the police in Lagos said they arrested while he was attempting to steal a car from its owner at gun-point, had narrated how his gang moved vehicles stolen in Nigeria to auto dealers in Benin Republic. Abubakar was arrested by an Anti-Crime patrol team from […]
The alleged gang leader of a car snatching gang, Francis Abubakar, after his arrest by the police along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway in Lagos
An alleged leader of a car-snatching syndicate, Francis Abubakar, who the police in Lagos said they arrested while he was attempting to steal a car from its owner at gun-point, had narrated how his gang moved vehicles stolen in Nigeria to auto dealers in Benin Republic.
Abubakar was arrested by an Anti-Crime patrol team from the Satellite Town police station, Ojo, Lagos, on August 9, 2019 in the Moshalashi area, along the Mile 2-Badagry expressway.
The police, who described the suspect as the leader of a gang of robbers, said three of his members fled.
Abubakar said, “Most auto dealers in Benin Republic buy and sell stolen vehicles from different robbery gangs in Nigeria. After buying, they refurbish the vehicles and resell them to buyers from Nigeria.
“We drive vehicles stolen at gun-point into Benin Republic at night through bush paths in border communities, particularly in Ogun State.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, told our correspondent that when Abubakar was arrested, one locally made shotgun was recovered from him.
“A Peugeot 307 was also recovered and handed over to the owner. Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have taken over the case with a view of apprehending other members of the gang,” Elkana said.