Police arrests five ‘suspicious’ Pakistanis in Benue with 35 phones

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended five Pakistani nationals suspected of suspicious activities in the Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state. Thirty-five mobile phones were seized during the arrests, which were prompted by credible intelligence on the suspects' movements. According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Aondongu, three suspects - Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46 - were apprehended on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.

They were allegedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village. During questioning, the suspects claimed they were in Otukpo to sell cosmetics and mobile gadgets, but none were found on them. This led to further investigation and the discovery of their suspicious activities. On August 5, two more suspects, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested in Ugbokolo after they claimed to be Android phone dealers.

Following further investigation, an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone were recovered, bringing the total to 35. The suspects have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further investigation to determine the circumstances of their presence in the state. The police suspect the mobile phones could be used to cover up clandestine activities in rural areas, and urged residents to report any suspicious individuals to the authorities.

The State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadioogbu, praised the officers and the public for their assistance in the operations, and called for continued vigilance to maintain the safety of the state's residents.