Fake soldier apprehended for stealing motorcycles

SARS operatives have arrested a fake soldier who specialised in stealing motorcycles for sale.

A man parading himself as an Army officer has been arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, of the Lagos State Police Command.

The suspect is allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles, popularly known as okada, across Nigeria, Premium Times reports.

The suspect, Benjamin Okon, was arrested on January 1 following a tip-off from members of the public.

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A statement issued by the police on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, read:

“The suspect was fond of intimidating members of the public under the pretence that he is a military personnel,” the statement quoted a source as saying.

“His hostile attitude made people not to associate with him. However, when we suspected his moves, we summoned the courage to report to the police.”

Premium Times reports that the suspect made a confessional statement during the investigation at the Police Command, stating that he had an accomplice (names withheld) who received the stolen items from him.

The police disclosed that Mr Okon often travelled to neighbouring states to snatch motorcycles, while his accomplice helped him to sell them off to prospective buyers.

He was quoted, saying, “I am an expert at snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public.

“I had stolen countless of Okada, which my accomplice had helped me to sell. I do travel far and wide across the country to perpetrate this crime.

“I robbed and sold looted items to him, and he subsequently sells (sic) them to some other persons. Once I bring the bikes to him, he will pay me off and I will move on to steal another one.”

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Confirming the arrest, the Lagos state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, said the suspect would be charged to the court upon the completion of the ongoing investigations.

Ms. Badmus also said the police were making efforts to apprehend the accomplices in the case.