An Enugu State Magistrate Court has remanded a 29-year-old man accused of involvement in an Enugu battery theft and the disappearance of other valuables.
According to Punch, the Enugu State Police Command arraigned the suspect, Oshim Daniel, on three counts of stealing. The court ordered that he remain in a correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
Ndukwe said officers attached to the Abakpa Police Division rescued Daniel from an angry crowd on July 29. Residents had reportedly caught him after items were stolen from the Alulu-Nike community a day earlier.
Police link suspect to Enugu battery theft
Police investigations allegedly connected Daniel to the theft of three vehicle batteries belonging to different residents.
The command valued the batteries at N150,000, N45,000 and N32,000 respectively. Their owners later identified them after officers recovered the items.
Police also recovered a public address system, Point-of-Sale device and gas cylinder during the investigation.
Other recovered items included a vehicle stereo, spare tyre and several valuables suspected to have been stolen.
“The suspect confessed to the crime and was charged with three counts of stealing contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code of Enugu State, 2004,” the statement read.
The alleged confession remains a police claim, while the court will determine the suspect’s guilt or innocence.
Police warn residents against jungle justice
Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa praised the officers for rescuing the suspect from the crowd and taking him through the legal process.
He urged residents to hand suspects over to the police instead of assaulting or killing them.
Giwa said mob action could obstruct investigations, destroy evidence and prevent accused persons from receiving a lawful trial.
He also advised vehicle owners to install reliable locks and anti-theft devices to protect their vehicles and valuable components.
The commissioner encouraged motorists to register their vehicles on the Nigeria Police Electronic Central Motor Registry.
He said the platform could improve vehicle security and assist officers in tracking and recovering stolen vehicles.
Daniel will remain in custody until the court resumes proceedings in the case.
