FCT Police Uncover Fake Diplomatic Number-Plate Network

Police in the Federal Capital Territory say they have uncovered a network producing and circulating fake diplomatic and official government number plates in Abuja.

FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi said the plates were being used by unauthorised people to avoid security checks, conceal identities and gain access to restricted places. The command said suspects linked to the illegal plates were in custody and would be prosecuted after investigations.

The police displayed several recovered number plates during a briefing at the command headquarters on Friday. Some of the plates were said to bear official-looking labels, including Presidency and Senate markings.

Sanusi said the investigation began after he noticed a rise in the unauthorised use of diplomatic and government registration plates. Vanguard reported that the police said the probe exposed both users of the plates and the supply chain behind their production.

The same briefing also covered recoveries of vandalised public infrastructure, including drainage covers, solar street lights, electricity cables and communication cables from parts of Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative Quarters, Lugbe and Nyanya.

Punch reported that five suspects were arrested in connection with the recovered infrastructure. The police described vandalism of public facilities as economic sabotage and said anti-crime patrols would continue across the territory.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Daily Post