A Nigerien national cobbler identified as Ali Musa has been apprehended by operatives of Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, over alleged stealing of a motorcycle.
The itinerant cobbler was alleged to have stolen the motorcycle to enable him fund his intended journey overseas.
It was alleged that the suspect had contacted a trafficker who reportedly promised to take him to Libya but lacked the resources needed for the journey.
in a bid to raise the funds, the suspect was alleged to have decided to steal a motorcycle in a bid to raise money for the journey.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that the suspect had on April 28, 2026 entered a house in Benin City around 4:00 am and stole a motorcycle.
He said the suspect was arrested by operatives of the security outfit during a routine patrol while taking the motorcycle to a buyer.
The source further added that upon interrogation, the suspect couldn’t give a satisfactory answer or provide the owner of the motorcycle.
Confirming the arrest, the Deputy Corps commander in charge of operations, Richard Balogun vowed that there would be no hiding place for anyone with criminal tendency in the state.
He said the suspect has since been handed over to police for prosecution.
