27/04/2026
PRESS RELEASE
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND :
ARREST OF MEMBERS OF CAR THEFT SYNDICATE AND RECOVERY OF VEHICLES.
Rivers State Police Command have recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on organized vehicle theft, with the arrest of members of the syndicate specialized in buying and selling of stolen vehicles and the recovery of the vehicles.
This success is a direct result of intelligence-driven policing championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips.
On 10th April 2026 at approximately 17:50 hours, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested one Paul Nwabueze Jude (male, 46 years), a resident of Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The suspect had been on the run following his involvement in a previously reported case of vehicle theft and the earlier arrest of his accomplice, one Uju Molokai (m), 32 years, on 16th November, 2025. At the time, a stolen Toyota Hilux in his custody was successfully recovered, while the said Paul Nwabueze Jude evaded arrest.
During investigation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the earlier crime as well as several other vehicle theft operations. He further disclosed that the syndicate operates as a four-man gang. Acting on this confession and subsequent intelligence, operatives of the command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested other members of the gang and receivers of the vehicles. The name of the suspects are: one Paul Nwabueze Jude (male, 46 years), resident of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor LGA, D**e Micheal (m), (male, 46years), a native of Imo state, Uzomba Darlington (m), 47 years old, a native of Abia State, Emyinnaya Eugene (male), a native of Imo State. Exhibit recovered includes two (2) Toyota Hilux and three (3) sienna vehicles.
Investigations further revealed the existence of a key receiver of the stolen vehicles, who is believed to be in possession of additional stolen cars. Efforts are ongoing to arrest this individual and recover all other stolen vehicles in his possession.
The Commissioner of Police Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, urges members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt basic security measures to protect their vehicles and property, install tracking and anti-theft devices and avoid leaving valuables exposed, unattended to in their vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police encourages citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, as timely information is vital to effective crime prevention.
EMERGENCY LINES
Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
07057605209
07057605256
08120822987
07072323049
Control Room:
08032003514
ASP AGABE BLESSING KABORLO
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND
26th APRIL, 2026.
