Operatives of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service have arrested two suspected phone thieves at the busy Tombia-Etegwe Roundabout in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The arrest came after a swift tip-off from a victim who had his phone stolen while riding in a commercial tricycle, commonly known as a Keke.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday when a man identified as Abasi, from Akwa Ibom State, discovered his phone was missing shortly after boarding the Keke.
Reacting quickly, Abasi boarded another tricycle that overtook the suspects’ vehicle and alerted nearby vigilante officers.
Acting on his report, the operatives conducted a search and apprehended the suspects.
The arrested individuals, Daniel Michael Agu and Okpoh Kelvin, confessed to being part of a pickpocketing syndicate that has operated within Yenagoa for several years.
Agu admitted they used the tricycle as cover to carry out their crimes and claimed it had become a daily source of income.
Chairman of the operatives of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service, Doubiye Alagba, identified Agu as the ringleader of the gang, alleging that he had recruited several young men into the illicit trade. He noted that Agu had been on their wanted list for some time.
“These criminals often use charms and diabolical means to steal from unsuspecting victims,” Alagba said. “This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to tackle petty theft in the city.”
Multiple mobile phones, including the complainant’s, were recovered from the suspects.
One of the phones rang shortly after being switched on, and the caller claimed she had been robbed by the same suspects at another location in Yenagoa.
The duo has since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
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Efforts to reach the Bayelsa State Police Command spokesperson, Mr. Musa Mohammed, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to his mobile line.
