Nigerian man and Libyan accomplice arrested in India 3 months after they allegedly stole SUVs from showroom

A Nigerian and a Libyan national have been arrested three months after they allegedly stole two SUVs from a Kia showroom at Kogilu Cross, Bengaluru, India.

The accused identified as Ofen Michael aka John Nero,25, from Nigeria and his accomplice, Saifi Edden Guma Taher Be Hamid, 27, from Libya, were arrested by Yelahanka police on Wednesday, June 2. Both are residents of Thirumenahalli near Sampigehalli.

On February 24, between 4.30am to 5am, the duo threatened a security guard with knives, took him inside the showroom and grabbed two keys before fleeing with two Kia Seltos. The incident was recorded on CCTV camera.

Based on the complaint, K Baba, Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast), had formed a special team headed by R Jayaram, assistant commissioner of police (Yelahanka) and police inspector KP Sathyanarayana.

The team zeroed in on the suspects with the help of CCTV footage and GPS fixed in the SUVs. With their arrest, the police solved two robbery and four vehicle theft cases and recovered three SUVs and three bikes – all worth Rs 65 lakh from them.

During investigation, it was revealed that Hamid and Nero came to India on student visas in 2017. While Hamid joined MA in political science, Nero took admission for BE in electrical engineering from the distance education department of Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu. But both discontinued their education.

The duo confessed to the crime.

“They were addicted to alcohol and narcotics. They started committing offences to arrange money to lead a lavish life,” Baba said.

“They stole a Toyota Fortuner from a service centre in Yelahanka and three two-wheelers from KG Halli and Sampigehalli areas. They used to sell the vehicles to foreign nationals, especially from African countries, staying in the city. They sold the SUVs for Rs 5-6 lakh each. They have also been booked for overstaying in India.” the Deputy Commissioner added.

The accused have been booked under Foreigners Act for staying illegally in India.