The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three men in connection with the theft and illegal sale of a vehicle in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The suspects were apprehended in the Ada George area of the state capital following a report by an officer attached to the Federal Road Safety Corps who raised an alarm over a stolen car.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said a special police team swung into action immediately after the complaint was received.
“In a significant breakthrough in our sustained efforts to combat car theft and other organised crimes, the Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to a stolen vehicle,” Iringe-Koko said.
She explained that on November 7, 2025, at about 8:00am, operatives drawn from the Electronic Central Motor Registry and the Special Operations and Intelligence Team recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla during an operation.
“The joint team successfully recovered a Toyota Corolla with registration number PHC 626 TX and arrested three suspects who were attempting to sell the vehicle under suspicious circumstances,” she added.
According to the police spokesperson, the recovery followed a formal petition by the FRSC officer, who presented documents including a sales agreement and proof of ownership to support the complaint.
Iringe-Koko further revealed that verification by the vehicle’s rightful owner, Prof. Karibo Bagshaw, confirmed that the car had been stolen from his daughter in December 2024.
“The owner confirmed that the vehicle was stolen by their former Bolt driver, who is currently at large,” she said.
The arrested suspects were identified as Christian Ihuigwe, John Ebus, and Barnabas, all residents of Port Harcourt.
“The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been transferred to the Special Investigation Department for further forensic analysis in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network.
“Intensive investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices, and the suspects will be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations,” she said.
Reacting to the arrests, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to tackle crime in the state.
“We remain fully committed to protecting lives and property in Rivers State. I commend our officers for their professionalism and urge members of the public to continue providing credible information that can aid crime prevention,” Adepoju said.
