Police operatives have rescued two suspected phone thieves from an angry mob at Dutse-Makaranta in Abuja following reports of overnight thefts involving mobile phones, laptops and other valuables.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by residents in the early hours of Tuesday after several people discovered that their belongings had been stolen.
Residents alleged that multiple mobile phones were found in the suspects’ possession before the police arrived.
Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Owner Occupier, Kubwa, CSP Paul Danladi, said the division received a distress call on Tuesday morning concerning a mob attack on the two suspects.
He said a police patrol team immediately responded to the report and rescued the suspects from the crowd.
One of the affected residents, Lovett Nehemiah, said she discovered around 4 a.m. that her mobile phone and purse had been stolen from her home.
According to her, she had plugged in her phone before going to sleep but noticed it was missing when she woke up to prepare food for her children.
Inside Abuja:
Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Killing Of Newborn Baby With Razor Blade In Abuja
Jos-Abuja Highway Crash: Death Toll Rises to 23
Abuja-Lokoja Highway Crash Claims 9 Lives, Leaves 2 Injured
Nehemiah said she searched her home before going outside, where she discovered that her door had been left open and her purse was lying outside.
She explained that the stolen purse contained ATM cards linked to GTBank, MoneyPoint and OPay, as well as her National Identification Number (NIN).
The victim said she used a neighbour’s phone to call her number, which rang twice before it was switched off. She added that she had not recovered her phone following the suspects’ arrest.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said she discovered that her kitchen door had been opened and some plates and other belongings had been taken outside.
She also recalled seeing someone carrying an object resembling a knife or a piece of metal shortly before residents raised the alarm.
The woman said she began hearing shouts of “Thief! Thief!” less than three minutes later. When residents came outside, they reportedly found two suspects who had been apprehended.
The incident has raised concerns among residents over the reported overnight thefts, with several people said to have lost mobile phones, laptops and other personal belongings.
The police have yet to announce further details about the suspects or confirm whether any of the stolen items have been recovered.
About the Author
