Operatives of the Bayelsa state vigilante security outfit stationed at the Tombia-Etegwe roundabout in Yenagoa have apprehended two suspected pickpockets and recovered several stolen mobile phones.
The suspects, 33-year-old Daniel Michael Agu from Abia State and 34-year-old Okpoh Kelvin from Bayelsa State, were arrested after a victim identified them. The incident occurred inside a tricycle, where the victim’s phone was stolen. After spotting the suspects again, the victim reported the incident to nearby vigilante officers, leading to a swift arrest.
One of the suspects, Daniel, confessed that they had been operating within Yenagoa for years, using tricycles as a cover to steal from unsuspecting passengers. He admitted they made a daily income from the criminal act.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Vigilante Security Outfit, Hon. Doubiye Alagba, revealed that Daniel Agu is the ringleader of the gang and has recruited several young men into the illicit trade. He also stated that Agu had long been on the outfit’s wanted list.
Alagba further alleged that the gang often uses charms and diabolic means to carry out their thefts, making this arrest a significant breakthrough in curbing pickpocketing in the area.
Recounting the incident, Alagba said the complainant, a man named Abasi from Akwa Ibom State, realized his phone had been stolen shortly after boarding a tricycle.
Acting quickly, he boarded another tricycle and overtook the suspects’ vehicle, then reported the incident to the vigilante unit nearby. A stop-and-search operation was immediately conducted, leading to the arrest of the culprits.
“Several phones were found in their possession, including that of the complainant,” Alagba confirmed.
“When one of the phones was switched on, the rightful owner called and confirmed she had also been robbed by the same suspects at another location in Yenagoa.”
The suspects have been handed over to Operation Doo-Akpo of the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation.
