Police recover car stolen from Kano church

Abimbola Joseph

The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Hyundai car stolen from a church in the state and returned it to its owner, three days after the incident.

The gold-coloured vehicle, with registration number LAGOS AA 444 BL, was stolen on October 25 while its owner, Uchenna Emmanuel, was attending a church service at St Thomas Church, Airport Road, Kano.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the vehicle was recovered following an intelligence-led operation.

According to him, Emmanuel, a resident of Sabon Gari Quarters, reported that he had parked the car at the church at about 11 am but discovered it missing when he returned after the service.

Kiyawa said operatives of the command’s Special Intervention Squad immediately launched a search for the vehicle on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

He explained that the vehicle was initially sighted within the premises of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on October 26, although the person who drove it there could not be identified.

The police spokesman said operatives subsequently laid an ambush to apprehend the individual who had abandoned the vehicle but nobody came forward to claim it.

He added that the car was eventually recovered on October 28 and taken to the squad’s office for investigation before being handed over to its owner.

Emmanuel reportedly commended the police for their prompt response and professionalism, urging motorists to take necessary security precautions when parking in public places, including churches, markets and hospitals.

The Commissioner of Police also advised vehicle owners to install security devices such as trackers, pedal locks and steering locks, while ensuring their vehicles were properly secured.

The command said investigations were continuing, adding that efforts were under way to identify and arrest those responsible for the theft.