On August 24, 2025, at about 7:00 a.m., operatives of the Ughelli Area Command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted an attempt by suspected hoodlums to sell two stolen vehicles, a Lexus RX350 SUV and a Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUV, for ₦2 million each.
The Area Commander personally led a combined surveillance team to a hotel along Effurun–Sapele Road, where one suspect, identified as Igenebo John, 35, from Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, was arrested.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed and led police officers to two different locations where the stolen vehicles were recovered. The Mercedes-Benz GLK350, black in colour with registration number ABJ 420 CY, was recovered at the hotel, while the white Lexus RX350 with registration number RSH 319 CB was recovered at Edu Street, off Jakpa Road, by Eco Bank in Uvwie LGA.
Igenebo John further disclosed that the vehicles were handed over to him on August 14, 2025, by one Ameachi (surname unknown), who claimed they belonged to his late elder brother.
Police investigations later traced the rightful owner to Mr. Nathaniel Ugbebe, of No. 2 Back of Stepdown, Amukpe, Sapele, who confirmed that he was robbed on August 17, 2025, at about 2:25 a.m., by a five-man armed gang.
The assailants reportedly carted away his valuables, including: A Redmi Note 14 smartphone valued at ₦250,000, An Infinix phone valued at ₦350,000, An iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦480,000, An iPhone 8 Pro Max valued at ₦400,000, A Nokia torchlight phone valued at ₦12,000, A Tecno button phone valued at ₦35,000, An HP laptop valued at ₦250,000, A baby tab valued at €50 and Wedding rings valued at ₦50,000.
The victim added that the armed men also transferred ₦1.9 million from his mobile app to his Moniepoint POS account before fleeing with his white Lexus RX350.
The police have launched a manhunt for the said Ameachi and other members of the syndicate, with efforts ongoing to recover their weapons and other stolen items.
