Operatives of the CP-Decoy Squad of Delta State Police Command have recovered the stolen Mercedes-Benz GLB Sports Utility Van (SUV) in Delta State, four days after a suspected buyer, identified simply as Henry, absconded with the vehicle in Abuja.

The vehicle, valued at N55 million, was recovered abandoned in a bush along Oteri road by Doctors Quarters Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State.

Recall that a car dealer identified as Manga had filed a complaint alleging that one Henry, who claims he resides in Gwarinpa, absconded with one of his cars.

The suspect, who was declared wanted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, reportedly absconded with the Mercedes Benz GLB 250 during a test drive, after posing as a prospective buyer.

Delta State Commissioner of Police (CP), Wale Abbas, disclosed this, while addressing newsmen in Asaba, yesterday, and parading 11 suspects for various offences.

He said operatives stormed Ughelli town to hunt for the suspect after recovering the vehicle.

According to him, “the police took action following a complaint received on July 3, 2023, at about 1700hours from the car dealer in Abuja that his vehicle was stolen by the suspect, who disguised as an intending buyer during a test drive last Friday, in Abuja.”

The police boss said his men were armed with available intelligence that led to the recovery of the said Mercedes Benz SUV abandoned in a bush.

According to him, “there is a serious manhunt for the suspect, but I will not disclose to you how we are going to get him. I assure you he will not escape arrest.”

MEANWHILE, the Command has arrested 42-year-old pastor, Marvelous Ebangwe, ‘m,’ for alleged human trafficking.

Abbas explained during the parade, that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekpan Police station received a complaint that two young ladies (name withheld) have not be seen since they went to a church named Fire Gospel Mission located at No. 1 Tare Alegbo Street, Effurun Uvwie Local Council for a church programme.

He said the police following this development, swung into action and arrested the suspect, who claimed to be a pastor and specialised in trafficking young girls to African countries.

The CP hinted that the suspect stated that the victims are presently in Senegal.

Speaking further, Abbas said operatives attached to safer highway while on stop and search duty along Summit Road, Asaba, received a distress call from a female victim (name withheld) that some suspected fraudster collected her phone and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card along the Expressway by Kia Motors and dropped her off along DLA road, but fortunately, their vehicle entered a ditch while trying to escape.

“The Police swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested the two suspects. Preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects are members of a syndicate that lures unsuspecting victims into their vehicle in the guise of looking for direction, then hypnotises them, collects their phones, ATM cards and empty their bank accounts. Suspects are in custody,” he said.