Police arrest pastor, accomplice over alleged interstate car theft in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed pastor, Edwin Nwabueze, and his alleged accomplice, Sadiq Jamiu, in connection with the theft of a Toyota Camry at UTC Plaza in the Garki District of Abuja.

The command disclosed that the arrests followed investigations into the stolen vehicle, which reportedly uncovered an alleged interstate car theft syndicate operating across several states in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, identified Nwabueze as an indigene of Oji River in Enugu State who resides in Benue State.

According to Adeh, the suspect identified himself as a pastor with Salvation Power Bible Ministry, located in the North Bank area of Benue State.

She explained that following sustained investigations, police operatives arrested Nwabueze at his residence on October 27, 2026.

The suspect subsequently led investigators to another location, where his alleged accomplice, Jamiu, was apprehended.

The police spokesperson further disclosed that preliminary investigations had linked Nwabueze to previous arrests by the Benue State Police Command in connection with vehicle theft cases.

According to the command, additional findings suggested that the two suspects belonged to an interstate criminal network allegedly specialising in stealing vehicles and selling them across different states.

The police also confirmed the recovery of the stolen vehicle.

Adeh said investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the suspected syndicate’s activities and identify other individuals believed to be involved in its operations.

The command added that efforts were underway to track down other suspected members who remained at large.

Both suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.

Members of the public can also contact the command through its emergency telephone numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

The allegations against the suspects remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.