Police arrest five Pakistanis with 35 mobile phones in Benue

Benue State Police Command has apprehended five Pakistani nationals during separate operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo, recovering a total of 35 mobile phones. The arrests were made following credible intelligence regarding the suspects' activities and movements within the state.

In Otukpo, three individuals, Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46, were intercepted on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park while attempting to board a vehicle. According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer Peter Aondongu, the suspects claimed they were in Otukpo for marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, the absence of such items in their possession raised suspicion, prompting further investigation into their explanations, activities, and movements.

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During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets, none of which were found in their possession. This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring more clarification.

The following day, August 5, two more suspects, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo. They identified themselves as dealers in Android phones. A subsequent investigation led to the recovery of 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total recovered to 35.

The Benue State Police Command has transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their presence and activities. Authorities suspect that the large quantity of mobile phones might serve as a cover for clandestine operations in rural areas, particularly given the suspects' limited ability to communicate in English. The Commissioner of Police commended the officers and the public for their roles in the arrests and urged continued vigilance.

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Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to 35.