23/10/2025
Suspected Gold Thief Nabbed in Auchi with Stolen Items
A suspected gold thief was apprehended in the early hours of Thursday at Hausa Quarters, Warrake Road in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, thanks to the swift intervention of Officer M. A. Kerimu and members of the Hausa community.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect (identified only as Yellow) had entered a gold merchant’s shop under the guise of a customer seeking to purchase jewellery. After requesting to see some gold pieces and later asking for special rings, the suspect allegedly pocketed some of the items while the seller was busy sorting through his stock.
The merchant, unaware that anything was missing, proceeded to assist the suspect, who later claimed he needed to visit a bank to withdraw cash for payment. Eager to complete the sale, the merchant reportedly offered him a ride to the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Auchi.
However, suspicions grew when the suspect’s behavior at the bank appeared evasive and inconsistent. The merchant said the man later suggested going to the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch, where he exhibited similar conduct. At that point, the merchant offered to take him back to the shop, saying someone could provide the cash locally while the suspect made a transfer.
While on their way back, the merchant called his brother at the shop to verify the gold inventory, and it was discovered that some items were missing.
On arrival, the suspect was searched, and the missing gold items were reportedly found in his possession.
Another gold dealer in the area claimed that the same suspect had been involved in similar fraudulent activities in other locations. He revealed that gold merchants in Lagos had recently shared warnings in a WhatsApp group about a man fitting the suspect’s description, who had been defrauding unsuspecting traders using the same method.
The suspect has since been handed over to the Auchi Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Credits : Real Gist
