RE: FRSC ANAMBRA RECOVERED SUSPECTED STOLEN TRICYCLE IN AWKA. By Okafor Benjamin, Anambra journalist. I have noted with dismay the recent statement concerning the recovery of a TVS King tricycle by the FRSC National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in Anambra State. While I appreciate the role of the FRSC in vehicle verification, it is necessary to clarify certain aspects of the report in order to prevent misunderstanding and avoid portraying an innocent purchaser as being connected to the alleged theft.
Most importantly, the Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Ikezue Jeremiah Chinuogu, of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka Diocese, mentioned in the report should not be interpreted as suggesting that he stole, possessed, or knowingly acquired a stolen vehicle. His involvement was strictly that of a purchaser who acquired the tricycle through a transaction and subsequently cooperated fully when questions arose concerning its previous registration.
The FRSC official who came to the priest's office was Amobi Obidi. Furthermore, Nwafor Tochukwu and Nwoye Richard were witnesses to the hire-purchase agreement connected to the tricycle. The priest, upon being contacted, did not evade the process; he cooperated with the authorities and presented the person from whom he purchased the tricycle for clarification. The vehicle was subsequently identified by the person claiming ownership, while the matter was referred to the appropriate security authorities for further investigation.
Until the investigation is concluded, it is unfair and potentially damaging to attach criminal insinuations to the identity or reputation of a person whose name appeared in the registration process. Signed, Rev. Fr. Ikezue Jeremiah Chinuogu.
