The Rivers State Police Command has detained a 44-year-old cab driver, Andrew Nwanna, for allegedly targeting female passengers in a string of robberies.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, disclosed the arrest in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
She explained that Nwanna used a vehicle with a personalized license plate to carry out his alleged crimes, which had prompted multiple complaints from victims.
One reported incident occurred on October 4 near Port Harcourt Primary School in the Old GRA area.
Nwanna allegedly diverted his route along Stadium Road, attacked a female passenger, and stole two phones from her.
In another case on October 10, Nwanna reportedly picked up a female passenger at Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, and diverted the journey near Skippers Restaurant.
Threatening her with a knife, he allegedly took an iPhone 13 valued at ₦850,000, an iPhone 15 worth ₦1.7 million, a Redmi 120 phone priced at ₦200,000, AirPods worth ₦350,000, a Bible, $200 cash, and her debit card, leaving her stranded.
Acting on a victim’s report, police arrested Nwanna at Farm Road, Rumuosi, in Obio/Akpor. During interrogation, Nwanna confessed to the crimes and implicated a 38-year-old accomplice, Garba Adamu, a Bureau de Change operator.
Adamu, who allegedly purchased the stolen phones, has also been taken into custody.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and both suspects will face prosecution.
Meanwhile, Iringe-Koko advised the public to remain cautious when using commercial transportation and to report suspicious activities promptly.
