Police bust fake diplomatic number plate syndicate in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismantled a network producing and using fake diplomatic and official government number plates. Ahmed Sanusi, the Commissioner of Police, announced the recovery of vandalised public infrastructure and several fake plates during a press briefing in Abuja. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the theft of public assets, while investigations revealed a broader supply chain behind the counterfeit plates. Sanusi urged residents to report suspicious diplomatic plates and warned that the police are intensifying efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
What happened
- The police recovered stolen infrastructure such as drainage covers, solar-powered street lights, and armoured cables from suspected vandals.
- Five suspects—Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale, and Dabarani Mujitafa—were arrested in connection with the crimes.
- Several fake diplomatic and official government number plates were seized, allegedly used by criminals to evade security checks.
- Investigations revealed buyers paid between N500,000 and N1.7 million for the counterfeit plates, and the manufacturers operate outside the FCT.
- Ahmed Sanusi warned scrap dealers and buyers of stolen assets, emphasizing the command’s commitment to dismantling the entire criminal network and urging the public to report suspicious vehicles.
