The Delta State Police Command has arrested and paraded four suspects involved in a coordinated tricycle theft operation across the state.
The police also recovered six stolen mobile phones from the syndicate.
Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, revealed the details in a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, February 4.
He explained that the suspects employed a deceptive strategy, posing as passengers to distract their victims before robbing them and pushing them out of the tricycle.
“Some of the suspects would enter the tricycle as passengers. Once inside, they created distractions, such as coughing, to divert the victim’s attention before stealing their belongings,” Edafe stated.
Several victims recounted their experiences with the syndicate. A male victim, who boarded a tricycle to Government House, narrated how he was robbed.
“There were already two guys inside when I entered, plus the rider. One of them kept coughing, and I got concerned, not knowing he was trying to steal my phone. When I got to my stop and checked my pocket, my phone was gone,” he said.
Another victim, a female, described a similar tactic used against her while on her way to the Federal Medical Centre.
“The man sitting beside me started coughing and spitting saliva on me. I asked what was wrong, but he didn’t respond. It was during this distraction that he took my phone. Before I could react, they told me to get down and then pushed me out of the tricycle,” she recounted.
One of the arrested suspects, identified as Emeka, admitted to his role in the operation.
Speaking in Pidgin English, he confessed, “My name is Emeka. The Keke rider is my guy. When I see him picking up passengers, I join in. If I notice someone with a phone, I pretend to cough and snatch it. We started last year. I have sold three phones to one person and four to another. I regret my actions and advise people to always hold their phones tightly.”
The police have assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will face prosecution.
