Catholic Priest Clarifies Role After FRSC Recovers Suspected Stolen Tricycle

By Benjamin Okafor

Rev. Fr. Ikezuе Jeremiah Chinuogu of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka Diocese, has clarified his involvement following the recovery of a TVS King tricycle by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Awka.

In a statement, the priest said he acquired the tricycle through a transaction and had no knowledge that it allegedly had a questionable ownership history.

He explained that he cooperated fully with the authorities when the vehicle was brought under scrutiny and presented the person from whom he purchased it for clarification.

The priest also identified Amobi Obidi as the FRSC official who handled the verification process, while Nwafor Tochukwu and Nwoye Richard were described as witnesses to the hire purchase agreement relating to the tricycle.

According to him, the vehicle was subsequently identified by a person claiming 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 alleged theft.

He appealed to the FRSC and media organisations to report the matter accurately while investigations continue, particularly on how the vehicle changed hands and the circumstances surrounding its alleged disappearance, registration and subsequent sale.

The priest said he remains willing to cooperate with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues.