Rivers police nab three suspected car thieves

According to the CP, the suspects will face prosecution upon completion of thorough investigations.

Olumayowa Samuel • December 7, 2025

COP Rivers state Olugbenga Adepoju

A joint team of operatives in Rivers State has arrested three suspected car thieves over the sale of a Toyota Corolla stolen in November 2024.

Spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Sunday, said the arrested suspects are Christian Ihuigwe, John Ebus, and Barnabas, all residents of Port Harcourt.

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the command, “in a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat car theft and other organised crimes in the state, has arrested three suspects in connection with a stolen car.

“On November 7, 2025, at about 0800hrs, a joint team of Operatives from the Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) and Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT) successfully recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla with Reg. No. PHC 626 TX, Engine No. IZZ997375, Chassis No. 2T1BR32E44C280137, and arrested three suspects involved in the sale of the car in a suspicious manner.”

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the operation followed a formal complaint lodged by an officer attached to the sector command of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Port Harcourt, adding that the complainant also presented the car particulars, including a sales agreement and proof of ownership.

“Verification by Prof. Karibo Bagshaw, the rightful owner of the vehicle, confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from his daughter in December 2024 by their former bolt driver. The suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Special Investigation Department (SID) in line with the Commissioner of Police directives for further forensic analysis,” she added.

Stating that intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices at large, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the suspects will face prosecution upon completion of thorough investigations.

Mr Adepoju, while reaffirming the command’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, also commended the diligence of the operatives and urged citizens to share credible information with the police and other security agencies to curb such crimes.

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