POLICE ARRESTS FAKE ARMY MAJOR WITH STOLEN CARS 14-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Police Command in Sokoto have arrested a fake Nigerian Army Major, Austin Anthony, who lead a specialiced car syndicate operating in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Parading the suspects, the Police Commissioner in the state Ahmad Musa, disclosed that Anthony named other accomplices which led to the arrest of a gang member, Mansur Abubakar, 32, at Gidan Dare area in Sokoto metropolis.
Investigation revealed that Anthony, is a middle age man and indigene of Delta state and was intercepted driving a stolen car at a police checkpoint on December 5 2024, along Sokoto, Kebbi state road closed to Bodinga in Sokoto state.
The Commissioner said the suspect introduced himself to the police officer as a military personnel in order to get away with the said vehicle.
He said during investigation, the suspect confessed that two additional stolen cars were recovered from him.
Africa247 in Sokoto reports that further investigation led police to recovering other items from the suspects that comprised, a complete set of Army Uniform stached with the rank of Major which he has been using to disguise himself at regular check points.
Others recovered items included fabricated master keys, five bunches of motor vehicle keys, Nigerian Army Identity card and three sets of motor vehicle plate numbers.
Ahmed Musa mentioned that other items recovered were two Army Stamps, three sets of Shoulder badges belonging to the Nigerian Army.
The Commissioner added that before the arrest, Anthony was on trial on a similar offence in which he was arrested by Policemen in possession of three stolen vehicles and was arraigned in court on August 28, this year and was granted bail.
The Commissioner commended the harmonious relationship with the public and urged them to support the Police with useful information on suspecious movements, remain vigilant, law-abiding and continue to support the police in maintaining peace at all times.