The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned a 29-year-old man, Oshim Daniel, before an Enugu State Magistrate Court over his alleged involvement in a series of thefts targeting vehicle batteries and other valuables belonging to residents of Alulu-Nike community in Enugu.
The suspect was subsequently remanded in a correctional custodial centre pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The development was disclosed on Saturday in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who said the suspect narrowly escaped mob action after he was allegedly caught committing the offence.
According to the police, officers attached to the Abakpa Police Division intervened on July 29, 2026, rescuing the suspect from an angry crowd after he was accused of stealing vehicle batteries and other items from residents the previous day.
The statement read: “The Enugu State Police Command has prosecuted a 29-year-old suspect, Oshim Daniel, who was rescued from an angry mob by operatives attached to the Abakpa Division on July 29, 2026. The suspect was alleged to have stolen vehicle batteries and other valuables from residents of Alulu-Nike, Enugu, on July 28, 2026.”
Police investigations allegedly linked Daniel to the theft of three vehicle batteries belonging to different victims within the community. According to the command, the batteries were valued at ₦150,000, ₦45,000 and ₦32,000 respectively, and were positively identified by their owners during the investigation.
Beyond the batteries, detectives reportedly recovered several other items believed to have been stolen, including a public address system, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, a gas cylinder, a vehicle stereo system, a spare tyre and other valuables.
Providing an update on the case, Ndukwe said the suspect allegedly admitted to committing the offences during interrogation before being formally charged to court.
He stated: “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. Following his arraignment, the court remanded him pending the hearing and determination of the case.”
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Giwa, praised the professionalism displayed by officers who prevented the suspect from being lynched and ensured he was subjected to due process instead of mob justice.
According to Ndukwe: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives and urged citizens to remain law-abiding by handing over arrested suspects to the Police for proper investigation and prosecution instead of resorting to jungle justice.”
The police commissioner also appealed to vehicle owners to strengthen the security of their vehicles by installing reliable anti-theft devices and making use of the Nigeria Police Electronic Central Motor Registry, noting that such measures would improve vehicle security and enhance the recovery of stolen vehicles.
(Ripples)