Priest Clarifies Role in FRSC Recovery of Suspected Stolen Tricycle in Awka
By Chizoba Njaka
Rev. Fr. Ikezuе Jeremiah Chinuogu of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka Diocese, Anambra State, has clarified his involvement in the recent recovery of a TVS King tricycle by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in Awka.
The clarification followed a report on the recovery of the tricycle, which, according to the priest, could create the impression that he was connected with the alleged theft of the vehicle.
Fr. Chinuogu stressed that his involvement in the matter was strictly as a purchaser who acquired the tricycle through a transaction and later cooperated fully with the authorities when questions arose concerning its previous registration.
He explained that the FRSC official who visited his office in connection with the verification exercise was Amobi Obidi, who handled the engagement and verification process.
The priest further stated that Nwafor Tochukwu and Nwoye Richard witnessed the hire-purchase agreement relating to the tricycle, adding that relevant documents exist to support the transaction.
According to him, when contacted by the authorities, he did not evade the process or obstruct the investigation. Rather, he presented the individual from whom he purchased the tricycle to assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the vehicle.
He said the vehicle was subsequently identified by the person who claimed ownership, after which the matter was referred to the appropriate security authorities for further investigation.
Fr. Chinuogu urged the public to distinguish between purchasing a vehicle that is later discovered to have a questionable history and being responsible for its theft, stressing that the two circumstances should not be treated as the same.
He also appealed to the FRSC and media organisations to ensure that further reports on the matter accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the transaction, particularly as no finding has established that he knew the vehicle was allegedly stolen when he purchased it.
He said the investigation should focus on determining how the vehicle changed hands, who was responsible for its alleged disappearance, how the questionable number plate came to be attached to it and the circumstances surrounding its subsequent sale.
The priest reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues, expressing confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail.
He said the clarification was issued in the interest of fairness, accuracy and the protection of reputations while the investigation remains ongoing.
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