A 30-year-old man, identified simply as Kelvin, has been arrested in Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, over the alleged theft of seven motorcycles within two weeks.
Residents said the suspect was apprehended following a string of motorcycle thefts linked to burial ceremonies in the community, where he allegedly exploited large gatherings to carry out the crimes unnoticed.
Sources in the area disclosed that the suspect reportedly attended burial events, where he would secretly tamper with the ignition systems of parked motorcycles before making away with them during periods of distraction.
A commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Odey Hope, who spoke with journalists, said the suspect had long been under suspicion due to the recurring disappearance of motorcycles in the area.
“He takes the motorcycles to nearby communities and sells them at very low prices. Within the last two weeks, he has reportedly admitted to stealing seven motorcycles, although more are still missing,” he said.
Odey described the suspect as a habitual offender who allegedly moved from one burial venue to another, particularly during wake-keep ceremonies, to execute his operations.
He further claimed that the suspect was not a native of the community but from a neighbouring area and appeared to have detailed knowledge of local burial schedules, which he used to plan his activities.
Another source alleged that the suspect confessed to disposing of the stolen motorcycles in surrounding villages at reduced prices.
The source added that the suspect also made certain personal claims linking his actions to a domestic dispute within the community, though this has yet to be independently confirmed.
Following his arrest, Kelvin was handed over to the police at the Okpoma Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
