FRSC Uncovers Suspected Stolen Vehicle in Anambra, Arrests Two as 2022 Kidnap Case Resurfaces

By Our Reporter

A routine vehicle documentation exercise by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has led to the recovery of a suspected stolen Toyota Corolla and the arrest of two suspects, exposing what authorities describe as an attempt to alter the vehicle’s identity.

The breakthrough occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Anambra National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Desk Office in Awka, where FRSC officials detected irregularities while processing the vehicle’s documentation.

According to a statement by the Sector Public Enlightenment Officer, Margaret Onabe, officers discovered that the vehicle’s chassis number had been tampered with. Preliminary findings revealed that the digit “1” had allegedly been altered to the letter “I” in an apparent bid to conceal the vehicle’s true identity.

“When the chassis number was checked against the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) database, it was discovered that the vehicle already had an existing ownership record,” the statement said.

Further investigation reportedly uncovered a disturbing link to a kidnapping incident dating back to October 29, 2022. Authorities said the registered owner’s wife was abducted along with the vehicle before her captors later pushed her out and fled with the car.

The individual who presented the vehicle for documentation, identified as Mr. Onyejiaka Lawrence Onyebuchi, was invited for physical verification and subsequently arrested by police.

Investigators also arrested the vehicle dealer alleged to have sold the car to the suspect.

The recovered Toyota Corolla was initially secured at the FRSC RS5.3 Anambra Sector Command before being handed over to the police. Both suspects are currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the Central Police Station, Awka, where investigations are ongoing and possible prosecution is being considered.

Reacting to the development, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, urged Nigerians to exercise greater caution when purchasing fairly used vehicles.

“Prospective buyers should always verify ownership documents and vehicle identification details through the appropriate channels before concluding any transaction,” she advised.

The Command also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious vehicle transactions or suspected vehicle theft to relevant security agencies.

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