A brazen attempt at car theft by a security guard has been thwarted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The suspect, 27-year-old Meshack Monday, a native of Ogoni, was apprehended by the police after a dramatic chase through the city.
Officers from the Olu Obasanjo Division of the State Police Command noticed Monday acting suspiciously while driving a Toyota Corolla along Olu Obasanjo Road.
His erratic manoeuvres near the G.R.A junction raised red flags, prompting the police to pursue the vehicle.
Following a high-speed chase onto Abah Road, the police successfully apprehended Monday.
During questioning, a surprising turn of events unfolded. Monday, a security guard employed by Geepap Mobile Company for two years, confessed to stealing the car.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Grace Iringe-Koko, Monday admitted to succumbing to temptation.
Despite concealing his driving skills from his employer, he stole a customer’s car parked for maintenance at midnight. He intended to sell the car and improve his financial situation.
SP Iringe-Koko further revealed that contacting Geepap’s General Manager, Mr Godfrey, confirmed Monday’s deception.
The stolen vehicle was indeed undergoing repairs, and the company was unaware of Monday’s driving abilities.
The stolen car has been recovered, and the case has been charged to court. However, the investigation doesn’t end there.
Authorities are actively searching for Monday’s potential accomplices, suggesting this may be part of a larger car theft ring.
In light of this incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, urged individuals and businesses to take preventative measures.
The Commissioner recommends installing security cameras and alarms, particularly in areas vulnerable outside of regular business hours.
