The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a suspected car thief, Mohammed Aliyu, while allegedly attempting to drive away with a vehicle in Maitama, Abuja.
The suspect was arrested at about 2 p.m. on September 15, 2026, following a distress call reporting an attempted car theft along Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama.
The Command said a patrol team from Maitama Police Division was immediately deployed to the area and arrested Aliyu inside the vehicle as he allegedly attempted to start and drive it away.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the vehicle, a black Hyundai Santa, belonged to a man identified as Mr Ikechukwu, who had parked it while attending an appointment at a nearby office.
Adeh said Ikechukwu, upon returning to his vehicle, discovered an unfamiliar person inside and raised an alarm, attracting the attention of people in the vicinity and prompting the police response.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Command, further indicated that the suspect had previously been arrested in connection with two separate alleged car theft incidents handled by Garki and Zuba Police Divisions.
The police also said Aliyu had served a prison term and was released from Keffi Prison in April 2026.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue and is expected to be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station.
Residents can also contact the Command through its emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883.
