Matthew Oboro, a 62-year-old former machine operator, has alleged that his car, stolen in 2015, was later found and converted into a patrol vehicle by the police in Warri, Delta State.
How the Car Was Stolen
Oboro said the incident happened on November 13, 2015, while attending a programme at Mercy Land Church along Jakpa Road. He had parked his Volkswagen Jetta near a clinic but returned after the service to find it missing.
He reported the theft to the church pastor, who prayed for him and advised he report the incident to the police before traveling to South Africa. At the police station, officers requested a photo and full details of the car. Oboro complied and also paid a fee for a signal to be sent to other stations to help trace the vehicle.
Despite frequent visits to the station, the police told him they were yet to recover the car.
Discovery of the Car
Two years later, while on his way to Sapele Road with a friend, Oboro spotted a car at a roundabout that looked exactly like his missing vehicle. On a second visit to the spot, this time carrying the vehicle's documents, he confirmed it was indeed his car. The church stickers he had placed in the vehicle were still intact.
Upon inquiry, bystanders confirmed the car belonged to the police. Shocked, Oboro approached nearby officers and presented the documents. One officer verified the details and confirmed the vehicle matched the documents. The number plate had been removed and placed in the trunk.
Although the officer acknowledged the vehicle was his, he was asked to follow them to the station. A concerned woman advised him against it for safety. Oboro instead informed his son, who went to the station believing his father was already there.
Police Demanded Payment for Recovery
Oboro returned to the station the next day and was eventually attended to by the Divisional Crime Officer. The officer, newly transferred from Abuja, acknowledged that the car had been recovered by the police. However, the DCO said N115,000 had been spent on repairs and that Oboro must pay that amount to retrieve the car.
Oboro, shocked since the car was in good condition when stolen, declined and decided to pursue the matter legally.
Legal Battle and Delays
Oboro recalled that he had earlier given money to the police through a female Investigating Police Officer to help locate the car, although he couldn’t remember the exact amount.
On July 19, 2018, a court ruled in Oboro’s favor and ordered the police to pay him N10 million. However, in February 2019, his lawyer informed him that the police had appealed the judgment to delay proceedings.
The case moved to the Court of Appeal in Asaba. With no funds to continue, Oboro’s pastor introduced him to a senior pastor who agreed to support the legal fight, with a promise of reimbursement upon compensation. Despite multiple efforts and a hearing date fixed in 2023, the matter has since been postponed three times with no resolution.
Impact and Plea for Help
Before the theft, Oboro used the vehicle for part-time taxi work, which was his only source of income. The loss of the car devastated his finances, and his wife has since left due to their worsening living conditions.
With no resolution in sight, Oboro hopes public figures like activist VeryDarkMan will support his cause. He believes the police are trying to frustrate him, assuming he has no one to defend him.
Call for Intervention
Oboro’s family is disappointed, seeing the situation as a clear case of police oppression. His lawyer is awaiting a new date from the Appeal Court. Meanwhile, Oboro is calling for intervention from the Inspector General of Police and even President Bola Tinubu.
A Message to the Police
Oboro says he has no advice for the police, expressing disappointment at their conduct. Despite providing all necessary documents, he was never contacted after the vehicle was recovered. Instead, the police converted it into a patrol vehicle, using it for raids and to transport suspects.
“I need help with this matter,” he concluded.
