Vigilantes have arrested a man identified as Jamilu Usman for allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle at a mosque in the Unguwar Dodo area of Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory FCT).

A member of the vigilante group, Ibrahim Danjuma, TOLD Abuja Metro that the incident occurred on Tuesday around 1:34 am during Tahajjud prayers.

He explained that the suspect joined the prayers but later stepped out under the guise of easing himself.

Once outside, he allegedly attempted to steal a motorcycle parked within the mosque premises.

He said the suspect was reportedly unaware that vigilantes were keeping watch due to a recent spike in motorcycle thefts, adding that as he tried to move the bike away, he was apprehended.

“The suspect did not know a vigilante member was seated behind the mosque watching. He came out quietly as if he wanted to urinate and attempted to move the bike, which was when he was caught,” Danjuma said.

The vigilante member added that the suspect had already damaged the ignition and was preparing to flee when he was intercepted. He was subsequently handed over to local security operatives.

“Two master keys were found in his pocket when the vigilante searched him before he was turned over to the authorities,” he added.

According to the vigilante, three motorcycles had been reported missing from the mosque since the start of the Ramadan Tahajjud prayers, prompting the deployment of guards to the area.

A police source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, saying investigation is currently ongoing. (Daily Trust)