The Niger State Police Command has apprehended three individuals suspected of producing and selling fake motorcycle and tricycle number plates in Suleja Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, Obinna Sunday, 21, Sunday Fajobi, 71, and Aisha Ismail, 41, were arrested following a complaint about counterfeit number plates found on tricycles operated by a leasing company.
According to the police, the complaint was lodged at the Maje Police Division, Suleja, on September 29, 2026, after Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) officials raised concerns about the authenticity of the number plates. The complaint prompted an investigation, leading to the arrest of the three suspects. Superintendent of Police (SP) Wasiu Abiodun, the command's spokesman, provided details about the case.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Sunday and Fajobi posed as VIO officials and facilitated the sale of over 60 counterfeit motorcycle and tricycle number plates bearing Kaduna and Nasarawa State inscriptions. The plates were sold to unsuspecting operators. A search of one of the suspects' premises led to the recovery of 10 newly printed counterfeit plates bearing Kano State inscriptions.
The police recovered additional items, including 61 fake motorcycle and tricycle number plates, two laptop computers, two electronic printing machines, and fake insurance documents allegedly used in registering the plates. N870,000 suspected to be proceeds of the illicit business was also recovered. The police said interrogation of the suspects produced further leads.
Obinna allegedly confessed to purchasing the counterfeit plates from Aisha for N40,000. Aisha reportedly admitted selling the plates to him after obtaining them from Bala Ibrahim, an alleged VIO officer serving in Abuja. However, Ibrahim is currently at large, according to the police.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Minna, where they are being detained while investigations continue. The police have not disclosed whether the alleged VIO officer has been officially confirmed as an employee of the agency. The case is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge.
The Niger State Police Command's efforts to curb counterfeit activities in the state have led to the arrest of the three suspects. The command's spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun, emphasized the police's commitment to investigating the case and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- Three suspects were arrested in Niger State for allegedly producing and selling counterfeit motorcycle and tricycle number plates.
- The suspects sold over 60 fake number plates bearing Kaduna and Nasarawa State inscriptions to unsuspecting operators.
- The police recovered 61 fake motorcycle and tricycle number plates, two laptop computers, and N870,000 suspected to be proceeds of the illicit business.
