The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 44-year-old cab driver, Andrew Nwanna, for allegedly targeting and robbing female passengers in Port Harcourt.
The arrest follows a series of complaints about his criminal activities.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that Nwanna used a vehicle with a customized number plate to carry out his crimes.
One of the incidents occurred on October 4 at around 8:00 a.m. Nwanna reportedly picked up a female passenger and diverted the vehicle to the Old GRA area near Port Harcourt Primary School, where he attacked her and forcibly took her two mobile phones.
In another case on October 10, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Nwanna picked up another female passenger at Tombia Extension in GRA Phase 2.
While en route to Birabi Street, he stopped near Skippers Restaurant, brandished a knife, and threatened to harm the passenger if she resisted.
The victim was robbed of several valuable items, including an iPhone 13 worth ₦850,000, an iPhone 15 valued at ₦1.7 million, a Redmi 120 phone worth ₦200,000, and AirPods valued at ₦350,000.
Additionally, Nwanna seized her Access Bank debit card, $200 in cash, and a Bible, leaving her stranded.
The police eventually apprehended Nwanna on Farm Road, Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor, following a report from one of his victims.
Further investigations led to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Garba Adamu, a 38-year-old Bureau de Change operator, who admitted to purchasing the stolen phones.
According to Iringe-Koko, both suspects will be charged to court once investigations are complete.
She also advised the public to remain vigilant when using commercial transport services and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.