The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Chidi Nwoye, who specialized in using master keys to steal cars and tricycles across the state.
Police operatives attached to Isiowulu Division, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, apprehended the suspect in the early hours of August 22, 2025, along Minaj Road, Obosi. He was intercepted while operating a stolen tricycle.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operatives recovered several stolen items from the suspect, including:
- One Hyundai Tucson SUV with registration number PH 725 AAA (without ignition key)
- One tricycle with registration number NSH 051 UD (without ignition key)
- Eight assorted mobile phones
- One black face cap with “AVG Special Force” inscription
- One battle axe
- One driver’s license belonging to Ikechukwu (surname withheld)
- Two bunches of keys and four master keys
- Two ATM cards, one PVC, and one vehicle tracking device
- One sensor, one USB drive, one ear pod, and a damaged fuse
- A vehicle booklet, beads, improvised wires, and a tricycle ignition device
- One brown sling bag containing personal effects, including a pair of red canvas shoes, money, and an iPhone watch.
During interrogation, Nwoye confessed to using master keys to steal parked vehicles and tricycles. “The suspect revealed that his operations targeted cars and tricycles left unattended, which he easily unlocked with the keys in his possession,” SP Ikenga said.
Investigations have since been extended to the suspect’s hideout, where police expect to recover additional stolen items.
The Police Command urged residents whose valuables may have been recently stolen to visit Isiowulu Police Station for identification and possible recovery.
Ikenga further assured that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
