MAN NABBED WHILE ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO STEAL CAR AT CHURCH

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By: Fasasi Hammad

A middle-aged man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly attempting to steal a vehicle parked outside the Assemblies of God Church on Item Street in Umuahia, Abia State.

The incident comes less than a month after a Toyota Sienna belonging to the wife of a traditional ruler, HRH Eze Izuwa, was reportedly stolen from the church premises during a worship service.

Following that June 7 incident, church authorities said they upgraded security measures around the premises to curb further thefts.

Eyewitnesses said the suspect, who allegedly feigned mental instability after being challenged, had been placed under surveillance by the church’s Royal Rangers security team after he was observed trying to gain access to a parked vehicle.

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According to witnesses, the man arrived in a commercial tricycle, which he parked along Umuwaya Road near the AP Filling Station, before allegedly using a spanner to force open the vehicle.

He reportedly succeeded in unlocking the car before the owner, who had been alerted by Royal Rangers personnel stationed near the Ohafia Street junction, rushed to the scene and discovered that his previously locked vehicle had been opened.

The owner, who is not a member of the church, said he had initially intended to park farther away but later moved closer to the church premises because he felt uneasy about leaving the vehicle unattended.

He said he returned to find the vehicle unlocked and a spanner inside. When he questioned the suspect about the tool, the man allegedly claimed he was merely checking something before attempting to escape. Bystanders, however, helped to apprehend him.

During questioning, the suspect identified himself as Kalu Ojo from Abriba in Abia State. He also claimed to have maternal roots in Mbaise, Imo State, and said he resided near the National War Museum in Umuahia. Witnesses said the conflicting accounts raised doubts about his true identity.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to officers of the Central Police Station (CPS) in Umuahia for further investigation.

Confirming the arrest, the Divisional Police Officer of the CPS, Mr Osage, said the suspect remained in custody while investigations continued to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether he is connected to a larger vehicle theft network operating in the city.

The incident has renewed concerns over the growing rate of vehicle theft in Umuahia, prompting residents to call for enhanced security around churches and other public places where vehicles are often left unattended.

Recent cases include the reported theft of a magistrate’s vehicle from court premises in May and the theft of a Toyota Camry belonging to journalist Steve Oko from outside his residence.

Reacting to the latest incident, the church secretary, Deacon Amos Okoro, said the church had previously recorded several theft cases involving car batteries and other valuables belonging to worshippers.

He noted that the church responded by strengthening its security architecture and said Sunday’s arrest demonstrated the effectiveness of the new measures.

Okoro also warned criminals to stay away from the church, stressing that efforts to safeguard worshippers and their property would be sustained.