The Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State Command, has arrested one Austin Anthony, who is accused of being a notorious gang leader terrorizing the state and specialising in car theft.
The suspect, who was on a high watch list of the command and arrested along Birnin-Kebbi road, was intercepted by the Police patrol team of the Bodinga Division.
Briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday, the spokesman of the command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, said the suspect, when accosted, introduced himself to the police officer as military personnel in order to get away with the said vehicle.
He said the arrest was following a Complaint of car theft reported by One Adamu Muhammad ‘M’ and Kabiru Shehu, all ‘M’ of Badon Barade Area Sokoto, that on the same date at about 0400hrs their motor vehicles Toyota Corolla LE Ash colour and Pontiac Vibe were Stolen.
“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 five other gang members residing in different states of the country, the investigation will be extended to their various locations with a view to arresting them.
“The investigation was extended, and the following items were recovered in his possession: a complete set of Army Uniforms with the rank of Major, which he has been using to avert securities attention.
“Other items seized include Fabricated Master keys and five bunches of Motor Vehicle keys, an Army ID Card with the rank of Major, three sets of Motor Vehicle Plate Numbers, 1 Banner of Nigerian Army, 2 Army Stamps and 3 Sets of Shoulder badges of Nigerian Army.
(Punch)
