NVIS Verification: FRSC Intercepts Suspected Stolen Tricycle in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has recovered a suspected stolen TVS King tricycle after its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) exposed discrepancies in the vehicle’s registration and ownership records.

The discovery, according to the Corps, underscores the role of the NVIS in supporting security agencies and assisting investigations into vehicle-related crimes in the state.

The FRSC Public Education Officer, SRC Margaret Onabe, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspected stolen tricycle was detected on September 10, 2026, during an attempt to register and upload it on the NVIS portal.

According to Onabe, a staff member of the Anambra State Motor Vehicle Authority had presented documents seeking to register the tricycle in the name of Rev. Fr. Ikezuе Jeremiah Chinuogu of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka Diocese.

She explained that the NVIS Desk Officer, while conducting routine verification, discovered that the tricycle had previously been registered in the FRSC database, prompting further checks.

“The existing registered owner, Mr. Okoye Obiwenite of Ikenga Ogidi, was contacted to ascertain whether the vehicle had been legally sold or transferred,” Onabe said.

She said further inquiry revealed that Obiwenite had given the tricycle to Mr. Aniagbaoso Nnamdi Chigozie on hire purchase.

“Further inquiry revealed that the tricycle had reportedly been stolen on December 27, 2025, after Mr. Chigozie parked it at his residence,” she added.

Following the discovery, the FRSC said Rev. Fr. Chinuogu was invited for clarification and subsequently brought the individual who had sold the tricycle to him.

The tricycle was later identified by Chigozie, who presented supporting documents to substantiate his claim of ownership.

Further verification also revealed that the number plate JJT357VD, attached to the tricycle when it was recovered, was not assigned to the vehicle in the FRSC’s NVIS database.

The FRSC said the recovered tricycle has been secured at the Anambra State Sector Command, RS5.3, while individuals connected with the transaction have been handed over to the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) of the Nigeria Police Force for questioning and further investigation.

The Anambra Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, commended the effectiveness of the NVIS verification process, saying it played a significant role in detecting the discrepancies and preventing the suspected stolen vehicle from being unlawfully registered.

She urged members of the public to conduct proper verification of vehicle particulars and ownership before purchasing or transferring vehicles.

According to her, thorough verification would help prevent unsuspecting buyers from acquiring stolen vehicles and strengthen the efforts of law-enforcement agencies in combating vehicle-related crimes.

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