Vigilantes have arrested two suspects, identified as Saleh Adamu and Samaila Yakubu, for allegedly stabbing a trailer conductor and stealing diesel in the Gada-Biyu community, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Musa Dahiru, a member of the local vigilante group who confirmed the incident to our reporter on Saturday, said the crime occurred on Friday at about 11:34 pm.
He said the suspects targeted a trailer parked near the highway. While the conductor was asleep, the suspects used a rubber pipe and a 25-liter jerry can to siphon diesel from the vehicle’s tank.
The conductor reportedly woke up after hearing a strange sound coming from beneath the trailer and discovered the suspects in the act.
When he attempted to raise an alarm, one of the suspects drew a knife and stabbed him in the thigh.
“It was when the conductor tried to restrain the suspects and call for help that one of them stabbed him,” Dahiru said.
According to him, the conductor’s screams attracted the attention of vigilantes on patrol, who immediately rushed to the scene and apprehended one of the suspects. The second suspect initially escaped but was later arrested at his girlfriend’s apartment in the area. Both were whisked away and handed over to the police at the Kwali Division.
The vigilante member described the suspects as notorious criminals known for stealing diesel from trailers parked at Gada-Biyu.
He added that the trailer driver had been lodged in a hotel when the incident occurred.
A police source at the Kwali Division, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects for theft and assault.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.