Operatives of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service on Monday apprehended a suspected phone thief identified simply as Francis at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa during the high-profile defection ceremony of Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The suspect, according to eyewitnesses and security operatives, was caught in the act of pickpocketing amidst the large crowd that had gathered to witness the governor’s formal reception into the ruling party. Upon a thorough search, the Vigilante team discovered 17 mobile phones, ₦91,000 in cash, and several ATM cards in his possession.
Francis, who later confessed to the crime, revealed that he came all the way from Rivers State to Yenagoa after learning about the massive political event. He admitted that he had intended to take advantage of the crowd to steal valuables and disclosed that he was working with an accomplice who managed to escape with other stolen items.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service, Hon. Doubiye Alagba, who personally led the operation, said the suspect was apprehended following intelligence reports and keen observation by his operatives stationed across the venue.
Alagba explained that the vigilante team had deployed its men strategically around the stadium to ensure safety and assist the police in maintaining order during the event. He said the team’s vigilance paid off when the suspect’s suspicious movements were noticed and tracked before his eventual arrest.
“The suspect tried to blend into the crowd, but our men were alert,” Alagba said. “We found 17 phones on him, ₦91,000, and multiple ATM cards belonging to different people. This is a clear indication that he came here to commit crimes. We have handed him over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.”
The Vigilante Chairman further warned criminal elements to steer clear of Bayelsa State, stressing that the synergy between the police, the vigilante service, and other security agencies has made it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate.
“This is a clear message that Bayelsa is not a safe haven for criminals,” he said. “We will continue to work with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.”
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to track his fleeing accomplice and identify the rightful owners of the recovered items.
