Four men have confessed to stealing a car valued at N5 million in Yola, Adamawa State, and selling it for just N800,000. The men, who were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 2 in Yola, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy, theft, abetment, dishonesty, and receiving stolen property.
The accused include Yusuf Mohammed Isah (25), Mohammed Gidado (33), Babangida Jalo (43), and Adamu Yahaya (31). They were remanded in a correctional centre in Yola, while a fifth suspect, Faisal Mahmud (30), could not be arraigned due to illness. A sixth suspect, Abubakar Manu, is reportedly still at large.
The case, presided over by Chief Magistrate Musa Adamu, will continue on February 6.
Prosecutor ASP Iliya Akawu explained to the court that Yusuf Isah, from Wura Hausa Ward in Yola South, worked with the fugitive Abubakar Manu and Mohammed Gidado, from Ibadan Street in Yola North, to steal a Toyota RAV 4 2007 model (plate number RSH 548 BB ABJ) on December 18, 2024.
Isah reportedly sneaked into the car owner’s home, Aliyu Umar from Wuro Hausa Ward, and took the car key. He then had Manu drive the car to Babangida Jalo in Yola North. Jalo, who was aware of the theft, arranged for the sale of the stolen vehicle to Faisal Mahmud, from Mubi North LGA.
Mahmud bought the car for N800,000 and made an initial payment of N400,000 into Manu’s account. He also gave N100,000 to both Gidado and Jalo for their involvement. However, Mahmud was arrested while traveling back to Mubi with the stolen vehicle, as police had traced him.
The accused are now facing prosecution for their roles in the car theft and subsequent sale.
