The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 28-year-old man, Edet Friday, over the alleged theft of a minibus in Benin City.
The vehicle reportedly belonged to a pastor who had given it to the suspect for commercial use on a daily payment arrangement.
The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Corps at the Ahor bypass area while allegedly attempting to dispose of the vehicle.
Sources said the suspect went missing with the bus a few days after it was handed over to him, prompting the owner to report the matter to the police.
It was gathered that the suspect kept the vehicle hidden for about two weeks while searching for a buyer.
Unable to secure one, he allegedly moved the bus to a scavenging site near Ahor bypass, where it was to be dismantled and sold as spare parts.
By the time operatives arrived at the scene, parts of the vehicle, including the doors and fuel tank, had already been removed.
The suspect reportedly failed to give a satisfactory explanation during questioning and allegedly admitted that he intended to sell the bus despite receiving it for commercial purposes.
Confirming the incident, the Deputy Corps Commander (Operations), Richard Balogun, stated that the suspect had begun vandalising the vehicle before his arrest and assured that efforts to tackle crime in the state would be sustained.
He added that the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
