The Rivers State Police Command has paraded a witch doctor and twenty-five other suspects believed to be responsible for car snatching in Rivers State. The command also impounded the juju shrine of the native doctor.
Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, while parading the suspects at the Police headquarters on Moscow Road on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, stated that Chidube, Anthony, and Kelechi are major culprits in the car snatching business.
CP Disu revealed that Chidube trains his men in car snatching and is connected to all the suspects arrested, while Kelechi is skilled at removing trackers and is a talented mechanic.
The Rivers Police Chief mentioned that most of the stolen cars are taken to Kano and Anambra, where they are dismantled and sold as scrap.
CP Disu stated that 79 cars have been linked to the suspects, many of whom had previously been in a correctional center.
Regarding their modus operandi, CP Disu explained that the suspects use master keys to snatch vehicles, convert them into commercial vehicles, and drive out of town with passengers to avoid security checks.
The command also apprehended receivers of the stolen vehicles who would come into town with the robbers and specify the types of cars to be stolen.
CP Disu announced, “Their witch doctor has been arrested. He informs them when it is safe to carry out operations. We have also arrested a group of robbers who follow you to the bank. If you resist, they attack and shoot. Their firearms have been seized.”
He advised residents to install safety devices in their vehicles and remain vigilant.
CP Disu added that 17 cars have been recovered so far, with some already returned to their owners.
Exhibits recovered include English and locally made pistols, a juju shrine, 17 assorted cars, and other items.
