Four men have been arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 2, Yola, after confessing to stealing a Toyota RAV4 worth N5 million and selling it for N800,000.
The accused—Yusuf Mohammed Isah (25), Mohammed Gidado (33), Babangida Jalo (43), and Adamu Yahaya (31)—pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy, theft, abetment, dishonesty, and receiving stolen property.
The court has remanded the four at a correctional center in Yola, while a fifth suspect, Faisal Mahmud (30), was absent due to illness. Meanwhile, a sixth accomplice, Abubakar Manu, remains at large.
According to the prosecuting officer, ASP Iliya Akawu, the theft occurred on December 18, 2024, when Yusuf Isah sneaked into the victim’s house, stole the car key, and got accomplice Abubakar Manu to drive the vehicle away.
The stolen Toyota RAV4 (2007 model) with registration number RSH 548 BB ABJ, belonged to Aliyu Umar of Wuro Hausa Ward, Yola South LGA.
The prosecutor stated that Babangida Jalo, who was aware of the crime beforehand, arranged for a buyer—Faisal Mahmud of Kolere Ward, Mubi North LGA—who later purchased the stolen car for N800,000.
Mahmud reportedly paid N400,000 into the account of the fugitive Abubakar Manu as part payment, while Gidado and Jalo each received N100,000 for their roles in the crime.
Mahmud then transported the vehicle to Mubi, where he was traced and arrested.
Chief Magistrate Musa Adamu has adjourned the case to February 6, 2025, for further hearing.
