In the early 90s in Kaduna, a daring group of criminals orchestrated a robbery so audacious it would be remembered for decades. Their target? A prestigious car dealership. Their plan? Ingenious. Their accomplice? The most unlikely figure imaginable – a mentally disturbed wanderer named Bala Kato.
Bala was a well-known face on the streets of Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State. His height, dishevelled hair, unkempt beard, and tattered clothes made him easily recognisable. Despite his ragged appearance, Bala’s imposing physique and gentle smile earned him a reputation as harmless, even endearing, among locals. My friend who schooled at Capital School and had to reach home around Ori Apata explained how he was always on the look out for Bala Kato, and sped like a hare past him, just to avoid being ambushed by him.
The criminals, spotting an opportunity in Bala, abducted him and gave him a complete transformation. They trimmed his hair, dressed him in a luxurious babariga, added a pair of expensive sunglasses, and doused him in sweet-smelling cologne. I’ll not be surprised if they doused him in oud, the type that cloaks you in quiet opulence, commanding attention without saying a word. Overnight, Bala went from street wanderer to a man who looked every bit a wealthy buyer.
The syndicate marched their newly refined “boss” into a high-end car dealership. Bala, now the picture of affluence, was presented as a serious buyer in search of the finest car. The dealer, eager to please, seated him in a plush chair and offered refreshments. Well-peppered kebabs, I think. To maintain the illusion, the criminals hovered around him, whispering “details” into his ear while inspecting vehicles on his behalf.
After much feigned deliberation, the group settled on the most expensive car on display. They informed the dealer that their “boss” was ready to purchase it but requested a test drive before finalising the deal. Leaving Bala behind at the dealership as collateral, they drove off in the luxury car with promises to return shortly.
Time ticked on. The staff, initially patient, grew suspicious as the test drive stretched into hours. The truth hit them like koboko whip on a sweaty back—the car was gone, and so were the criminals.
Frustrated and desperate, the dealer turned to Bala, still seated, happily munching on the suya provided to him. Questioned about the whereabouts of the thieves, Bala simply smiled and continued eating, silent and unfazed. It wasn’t until they removed his sunglasses and cap that the shocking realisation dawned: this supposed wealthy buyer was none other than Bala Kato, the harmless local madman prominent around Kano road, Katsina road by KSTA motorpark.
The criminals had pulled off a masterstroke, exploiting Bala’s quiet demeanour and innocent charm to execute their audacious plan. Left with no leads and recognising Bala’s complete lack of involvement in the scheme, the dealer had no choice but to let him go.
Who would have imagined the most unexpected players can have a role in extraordinary events? This was how the story of Bala Kato and the infamous car heist spread like wildfire across Kaduna.
