Police Search for Stolen Car of Abia Chief Magistrate

The Abia State Police Command has started looking for a Toyota Corolla belonging to a Chief Magistrate in Umuahia. The car was reportedly stolen outside a court in the state capital.

This incident has led the police to ask the public for any information that could help recover the vehicle.

On Wednesday, police spokesperson DSP Maureen Chinaka confirmed the incident. She said the case has been reported and that the police are investigating to find the car and catch those responsible.

"The above was reported, and investigation is ongoing," she said.

The police have assured the public that they are taking this matter seriously. They also urged anyone with useful information to help with the investigation.

Chief Magistrate Mrs Ngozi Pearl Lekwa of Court 2, Umuahia, explained what happened. She parked her black Toyota Corolla outside the court on Finbarrs Road around 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. After that, she went to her office to carry out her official duties.

Mrs Lekwa planned to be quick and leave later to run some personal errands. "However, upon stepping out of the court premises shortly after noon, I discovered that the vehicle was no longer where I parked it," she said.

Later, a friend told her that she had seen the car being driven fast after leaving the area near Market Square. The friend noticed a man driving the car but did not see Mrs Lekwa inside.

The friend thought the driver was sent on an errand by the owner. So she did not raise any alarm, even though she found the speed of the car unusual. Mrs Lekwa said she had not given anyone permission to use the vehicle and still had the car key with her when she found out it was stolen.

The magistrate mentioned that just the day before, she had ordered steering locks for her two cars for extra security. She said only one lock was delivered, and the second one meant for her car had not yet arrived before the theft.

The stolen vehicle is a black Toyota Corolla, 2008 model, which is often called a "bank car". Mrs Lekwa said she has reported the matter to the police for action.

She also asked the public to stay alert and report any sighting of the vehicle. She encouraged people to share information that could help security agencies track down the suspects.