A Mercedes-Benz vehicle that vanished from the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters after being recovered from kidnappers has been found in Port Harcourt and returned to its owner, Basil Chukwuebuka.
Vehicle Upgraded While Missing
The vehicle, originally a 2011 model, was discovered with a complete upgrade to a 2015 model. Authorities have not yet explained how the impounded car left police custody or how it underwent a commercial facelift while missing.
Abduction and Ransom Payment
Mr. Chukwuebuka, a native of Awka Etiti in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was abducted by gunmen on February 28, 2024, while driving through Igboukwu. He was released three days later after paying an undisclosed ransom to his captors.
Police Denied Access to Vehicle
Following the abduction, police officers recovered the victim's abandoned Mercedes-Benz and parked it at the State Command Headquarters in Awka for safekeeping. However, Mr. Chukwuebuka said when he attempted to reclaim his property, the police repeatedly denied him access. He further stated that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), identified only as Tochukwu, allegedly closed the case abruptly and told him that the police station was “not a dumping ground for vehicles.”
Allegations of Illegal Sale
Mr. Chukwuebuka said he was denied his vehicle amid mounting rumors that a senior, high-ranking police official had illegally sold the car.
Intervention by Human Rights Activist
The breakthrough came after the victim sought the help of human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu. Mr. Gwamnishu escalated the case to the public on April 29, triggering an internal police investigation that ultimately located the modified vehicle in Rivers State.
Mystery Remains
While the vehicle has been handed back to its rightful owner, how an impounded vehicle was smuggled out of a secured headquarters, transported across state lines, and upgraded without official detection remains a mystery.
