I purchased master keys from Jumia — wife of suspected vehicle theft

Abdullateef Fowewe

The operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended eight suspected vehicle thefts including a husband and wife duo and recovered three stolen vehicles.

Disclosing the operation, the Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Tuesday, said following the report of a stolen gold Toyota Corolla (Reg No. ABC 570 FJ) from the Federal Secretariat, on April 19, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad arrested one Yusuf Yunusa, of which further investigation led to the arrest of his wife, Blessing Yusuf, on April 25, in Kwali Area Council.

The wife admitted to buying Toyota master keys from the Jumia online marketplace, which her husband used to steal cars, while she orchestrated distractions to aid in the crimes.

“She (Blessing Yusuf) confessed to purchasing Toyota master keys from the Jumia online marketplace, which her husband used to steal vehicles, while she created distractions to facilitate the crimes,” Adeh said.

The statement established that in a separate case, on Monday, April 28, 2025, police responded to a report from a car buyer in Life Camp regarding a suspicious black Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC E-400 (Reg No. AAA 07 KA).

“Upon investigation, it was confirmed stolen from Lekki, Lagos. Five suspects were arrested and identified as Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen.

“The stolen vehicle was recovered and the suspects confessed to stealing it from their employer.

“Similarly, following a report from Mr Chinwenze Chinaza that his driver, one George Idung had gone missing along side his unregistered Toyota Hilux Adventure, Police operatives from Mabushi Division acting on credible intelligence, swung into action, tracked the said driver to his village in Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State, where he was arrested while attempting to sell off the vehicle. He is in custody and the vehicle has been recovered,” the statement reads.

However, the Command claimed that all the suspects are in their custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of their investigations.

Reacting to the operations, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao S. Adewale, enjoined residents to install tracking devices in their vehicles, avoid isolated parking spaces, and verify vehicle ownership before purchase.

“For emergencies or to report suspicious activity, residents are urged to contact the FCT Police Command Control Room via 08032003913, 08028940883, or 08061581938,” said Adeh.