Police Officer Arrested In Kogi Over Alleged Car Theft

An officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector Aminu Muhammed, has been reportedly arrested over alleged involvement in armed robbery and car theft.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the officer’s arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, stating that the erring personnel is currently in detention.

Naija News understands that Muhammed was accused of stealing from the homes of individuals near his assigned area, the ‘C’ Division in Lokoja, the capital of the state.

The state’s police spokesperson, William Ayah, who confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, stated that the police inspector has been taken into custody and is currently in jail.

He further mentioned that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the reported misconduct.

The inspector’s downfall came after he was involved in a series of robberies with a notorious gang known for stealing household items and vehicles in the state.

A source, who reportedly spoke with Channels Television on condition of anonymity, explained that a stolen vehicle was discovered in the garage of the policeman’s panel beater, who was in the process of repainting the car at Ochadamu in the Ofu Local Government Area.

Individuals familiar with the car and aware of the robbery at the residence of the owner on June 14, 2024, immediately alerted the authorities upon seeing the vehicle.

The vehicle’s registration had been altered to a number in Abuja, and the officer presented a car dealer’s receipt, dated back to 2020, as proof of purchase.

His panel beater had prepared the car for a colour change before the authorities were notified, and members of the Quick Response Unit (QRU) from the Police Area Command, Idah, were able to apprehend him.

When they arrived at the ‘A’ Division in Lokoja, where the police had taken in the group of panel beaters, it was discovered that the thieves who had carried out the burglary were already facing charges for another offense.

A gang member, who was also wanted by the police for various other illegal activities, admitted to being involved in the burglary and pointed out the police officer as the leader of the operation.

He revealed that they had been hired to steal the car belonging to the car owner, specifically to obtain the vehicle for the inspector.