The Nation Newspaper

Tag: robbers

  • Panic in Ogun community as robbers threaten residents

    Panic in Ogun community as robbers threaten residents

    Fear has gripped residents of Elerinko Estate in Ijoko-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State following a letter written to them by suspected armed robbers.

    The armed robbers, according to residents, promised to visit them.

    They appealed yesterday to Police Commissioner Ikemefuna Okoye to provide them with adequate security.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi the development, saying adequate measures have been put in place to secure the lives and properties of the people.

    According to Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “ The CP has acted on it.”

  • Bank raid: robbers kill policeman, three others

    Armed robbers killed an anti-riot policeman and three other persons yesterday when they raided the Alaba International Market’s branch of Ecobank Plc in Ojo, an outskirts of Lagos.

    The bandits allegedly made away with over N24 million belonging to one of the bank’s customers, who was in the branch for a transaction.

    The attack on the bank was the second within two months. A similar incident occurred recently during which about five persons were allegedly shot dead.

    It was gathered that the bandits allegedly threw some of the money into the air after robbing their victim in order to detract those in the area.

    Eyewitnesses alleged that the stolen sum was in foreign currency and naira.

    It was learnt that about five armed gunmen arrived in the  branch around 2.40p.m yesterday and shot their way through the security men who were on duty.

    They later headed straight to the parking area of the bank where one of the customers was trying to park his car.

    Witnesses alleged that they demanded that the car owner hand over the key to the vehicle. But the robbers changed their minds and blew open the boot of the Toyota Camry car.

    One of the mobile policemen who tried to confront the gunmen was shot at close range, killing him on the spot.

  • Robbers kill two in Kaduna robbery

    •Destroy Sambo’s wife’s NGO vehicles 

    Two people were killed at the weekend when robbers blocked the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway near Doka village.

    An official car with an inscription, I- CARE Women and Children Initiative, belonging to the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) of Hajia Amina Sambo, wife of the Vice President, was among several vehicles destroyed.

    The NGO’s Kaduna State Coordinator, Abdulrahman Mikailu, who spoke from his bed at the St. Gerald Hospital in Kaduna, said his official vehicle was among the five vehicles that rammed into each other.

    He said: “Two bullets missed me when I tried to come out of my vehicle. I   pretended to be dead.

    “The robbers, who were in military uniform, thought I was dead, so they went to my car and ordered my colleague to surrender all our belongings.

    “They killed two passengers in a commercial bus and robbed several vehicles.”

    Police spokesman Aminu Lawan said the multiple accidents were caused by panicked drivers. He said there was no official report of casualties.

    “The police helped in taking some of the victims to the hospital,” he added

  • 2014 DSTV Basketball Super 8: Robbers attack Gombe Bulls

    PLAYERS and officials of Gombe Bulls had a bitter experience Wednesday morning following their attack by dare devil robbers on their way to Lagos  for the 2014 DSTV Basketball Super 8.

    The ugly incident, according to the team, took place in Okenne, Kogi State.

    Coach of the side, Abdulrahman Mohammed said : “It was rather an unfortunate incident, though I was not involved but I’m glad that nobody was hurt.

    “After leaving Gombe State for Lagos on Tuesday, the team had to pass the night in Okenne after traveling long hours by road.

    “So as they bid to continue the journey for Lagos on Wednesday morning,  they fell into the waiting hands of the robbers.

    “The robbers made away with the players and some of our officials valuables and cash .”

    When asked if the incident would affect his players’ performance in the play-off which dunked off on Wednesday to end 19th July, the former D’Tigers assistant coach said: “That I can’t really say as my job will now be to psyche them up, as it’s never too easy for one to overcome such experience.”

    Recall Gombe Bulls booked a place in the Super 8 after they finished 3rd on the Log of Savannah conference.

  • Robbers ‘kill’ policeman in bank raid

    Robbers ‘kill’ policeman in bank raid

    •Four held

    A policeman, simply identified as Corporal Nathaniel, has been killed by armed robbers, who stormed a new-generation bank at the popular Alaba International Market, Ojo on the outskirts of Lagos.

    The incident was said to have occurred on June 11, when the hoodlums snatched bags of money containing over N15million belonging to the bank and made away with the policeman’s rifle.

    The bandits, who rode motorcycles, were said to have opened fire on the policemen escorting a bullion van parked some metres away from the bank’s cash centre.

    Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, were said to have arrested two policemen and two employees of the bank in connection with the incident.

    A police source said Benjamin Ene, an Inspector, and the slain policeman escorted the bank’s bullion van from Apapa to Alaba, where they were attacked.

    They were said to have been to two major customers, including a filling station, before heading for the Alaba market, from where they planned to move to the bank’s head office.

    Another police source said: “The police escorts were heading for Alaba to collect money from their bank, but the roads were blocked. There was heavy traffic. The bullion van could not drive forward.

    “The two cashiers who went with the bullion van decided to trek inside and pick the money. They asked the two policemen and the driver of the bullion van to wait. It was later discovered that a bulldozer blocked the road, causing the traffic.

    “Just as the cashiers were about to put the money into the van, the robbers struck, killing the corporal instantly. Inspector Benjamin Ene, the driver of the bullion van and the two cashiers ran away. The robbers took the money and escaped on a motorbike. They also made away with the slain corporal’s AK47 rifle.”

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Apapa Police Station, Usman Ndabobo, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), reportedly declared that the late Nathaniel and Ene were on illegal duty.

    Commissioner of Police Umar Manko ordered Ene’s arrest. The two cashiers, Mr. Obadina and Akinbo, were also arrested.

    It was learnt that Ndabobo had repeatedly warned his men against going on escort duties outside Apapa.

    Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, who confirmed the incident, said: “There was no policeman arrested in connection with that bank robbery. We are highly suspecting insiders’ connection because of the way the robbery was carried out. Two staff and a security guard of the bank have been arrested.”

  • Police arrest suspected robbers

    Foursuspected robbers have been arrested by the police in Lagos.

    In Egbin, Ikorodu, on outskirts of the city, youths arrested two suspects and handed them over to the Police. The others were apprehended at Ijora-Badia, a Lagos suburb.

    The Nation gathered that the  bandits came from Lekki in a boat with five others now at large.

    The hoodlums were said to have moved from house to house stealing, raping and injuring those who had no money at home.

    Some youths in the area were said to have confronted the bandits. They chased them with their loots and caught up with two of them.

    Five suspects were said to have escaped with their loots with the speed boat they came in.

    Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) confirmed the arrest.

    She said: “On May 4 about 4:30pm, some youths in Egbin area, Ijede, arrested and handed over two suspected armed robbers to the police at Ijede Division. Items recovered from the suspects are a wooden toy gun, two cutlasses, a sword and a knife.

    “ The suspects confessed that they came from Lekki with five others that are now at large in a boat to rob  members of the community. Effort is being made to arrest the other suspects with their boat. The case is being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

    “Also in Ijora area, at about 8am, policemen attached to Ijora Badia Police Station responded to a distress call at Ijora Seven-up under bridge and arrested one Mojeeb Mustapha and Tobi Babatunde. The suspects had shot into the air and robbed people of their belongings on the bridge. Items recovered from the hoodlums are three cutlasses, two empty cartridges, two arrows and broken glass blades used as missiles.”

  • Robbers invade Agric varsity

    Robbers invade Agric varsity

    All hell was let loose at the University of Agriculture in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, last Friday when a six-man gang invaded the campus to rob a bank. Guns boomed for over 30 minutes as the robbers operated. BENJAMIN IDOKO (400-Level Education) and AMOS ABBA (200-Level Mathematics and Computer Science Education) report. 

    It was a black Friday for staff and students of the University of Agriculture in Makurdi (UNIAGRIC). A six-man gang invaded the campus to rob a new generation bank. The robbery occurred during the ongoing semester examination.

    Before the robbers’ arrival, the bank’s premises was throbbing with customers. There was a long queue of students waiting to use the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Customers, mainly the university staff and students, were inside the bank for some transactions.

    When the robbers arrived, all hell was let loose. Customers ran helter skelter as guns boomed. Some were trapped in the banking hall. Offices and business centres close to the bank were quickly shut.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the robbers came on three motorcycles with a large rucksack containing guns and bullets. They headed to the east wing of the institution, where the bank is located.

    As they alighted from their bikes, they shot sporadically into the air to scare people. A security personnel attached to the bank reportedly returned fire. When he could not withstand the hoodlums’ firepower,  the security officer fled.

    The robbers took strategic positions around the bank, shooting. They attempted to enter the bank but the security doors had been locked from behind.

    The robbers fired at the bullet-proof doors repeatedly to no avail. Frustrated, the robbers vented their anger on customers at the ATM terminal. The victims were dispossessed of their phones and personal effects, including ATM cards.

    They went to a mini market around the area, carting away laptops, phones and other valuables left by business operators and their customers.

    For over 30 minutes, the robbers operated on the campus, to the dismay of many.

    Anthony Nwonta, a 300-Level Mathematics and Computer Science student, who was attacked by the robbers, said: “I was in one of the shops in the mini market, charging my laptop. When I heard gunshots, I remained indoors. After a while, I saw one of the robbers walking towards the shop; I went on my knee with my hands in the air, begging the robber not to shoot me. He asked me to face down before taking my laptop, two other laptops in the shop, phones and other electronic gadgets. Then he kicked me as he was leaving. It was a terrible experience for me; I am still in shock.”

    The robbery left students jittery as they were yet to get over the attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who killed people in Daudu and Gbajimba – the university’s host communities. The gunshots frightened staff and students amid reports that the Fulani herdsmen had returned to the school.

    Andrew Orkuma, a 100-Level Physics student, who lives off-campus, said: “I was sleeping when I heard the gunshots. As I got up, I heard people shouting Fulani herdsmen had attacked the school.

    “Without giving it a second thought, I ran out of the room, leaving my door ajar and joined the people running into the bush. When we got to the College of Advanced and Professional Studies, I discovered I did not have my shirt and trousers on.”

    A woman, who resides in Ujam Village, close to the school, in tears, said: “I left four children at home and I don’t know their whereabouts.”

    When the robbers were leaving, they used the school’s Hilux pickup to pack their loots. They abandoned the vehicle in a forest close to the campus. Soldiers moved to the scene, combing the forest in search of the robbers. But the hoodlums escaped.

    However, the soldiers rescued two female students in the forest.

    Examinations were disrupted, because of the robbery.

    Some departments have rescheduled the examinations.

    Although no life was lost, students are counting their losses. Innocent Onoja, a final year student of Statistics and Computer Science Education, who retrieved his laptop, said: “I thought the robbers took my laptop, for which I am yet to complete payment. I was busy with my assignment at a shop near the bank when the robbers came. I ran out. After the robbers left, I discovered my laptop had been taken away. The person that helped me to pick it brought it back to me.”

    John Igboka, also a final year Statistics and Computer Science Education student, met the robbers as they escaped from the campus. He said: “While I was trying to hide at the post office, one of the robbers saw me and asked me to lie down to avoid being hit by stray bullets.”

    He urged the management to beef up security on campus, saying such incidents should not happen in a university.

  • At the mercy of robbers

    The staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has been invaded by robbers, leaving staff and students disturbed. Last Friday, robbers raided houses serially, reports OLADELE OGE (Mass Communication).

    It is supposed to be the safest area on campus, but the staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has become a fertile ground for robbers.

    Staff and students no longer sleep at night; they keep vigil because of robbers.

    The frequent armed robbery has become disturbing to residents, who are appealing to the university and the police to came to their rescue.

    Last Friday, residents cried for help when the robbers raided houses serially at 4am. Help came from nowhere as the robbers carted away valuables and an undisclosed amount of money. Some residents, including two students, were injured during the attack.

    Nobody could say how the robbers got access to the quarters, despite the presence of school security personnel and policemen around the area.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the robbers molested female victims, who proved stubborn. The affected areas are Okuta Close, Fulton Avenue, Zik Drive and some parts of Margret Cartwright Street.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, some victims said their wellbeing could no longer be guaranteed. They added that they could no longer depend on the security operatives.

    A victim, who identified himself as Prof Obiwere-Ego, recounted his ordeal with the robbers. He said: “I slept in the sitting room and suddenly, the generator stopped working. I sent one of my children to check what happened; unfortunately, he met robbers, standing beside the generator with guns and cutlasses. They ordered him to take them into the room. For several minutes, they ransacked my room and messed up everywhere.”

    Other buildings invaded by the robbers included Dr S. Koledoye’s apartment and a widow’s house.

    The widow, who declined to give her name, said she appealed to the armed gang for mercy, all to no avail.

    “I told them I don’t have money in the house and in the bank. I spoke five Nigerian languages, yet they insisted that they must go with something even if it was N200. When I could not give them anything, they descended on me and threatened to kill me,” the widow said.

    Dr Koledoye, who lives on Bye-pass Road, said he woke up to see the “young men” in his bedroom, armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. They ordered him to get up and bring out all the money in the house.

    He said: “I told them I had nothing in the house except food stuff, phones, laptops and my cars parked outside. My response annoyed them and they descended on my wife and children, beating them with knives and iron-belt.”

    They later found Koledoye’s bank cards. The medical doctor was ordered to lead them to the nearest Automated Teller Machine (ATM) port, where the gang withdrew all the money in the accounts of Koledoye and his wife.

    The victims condemned the attitude of the school security personnel, who they accused of not responding to distress calls.

    CAMPUSLIFE could not reach the Chief Security Officer, but an officer, who spoke to our reporter, said the security department had been working to ensure that the campus is peaceful and safe for all. He said there was no time the department got emergency calls without swinging into action.

    He said the department had given out seven mobile numbers to staff and students to call or send short messages whenever there was an emergency. He urged the residents to co-operate with the security personnel, who, he said, were making efforts to arrest the robbers.

  • Court sentences four robbers to 84 years imprisonment

    Kano State High Court Wednesday in Kano sentenced four persons to 84 years imprisonment for armed robbery.

    The robbers were identified as Monday Joseph, Umar Adamu, Simon Shele and Mutad Adamu.

    They were convicted for robbing A.A. Rano Tudun Wada Filling Station in 2012. They were said to have in November 2012 attacked the Assistant Manager, including some employees of the filling station and carted away N2.68 million during the operation.

    Delivering judgement Wednesday, Justice Nura explained that each of the convicts would serve 21 years in prison.

    According to the Judge, the prosecution had convinced the court beyond reasonable doubt on their involvement.

     

  • Suspected robbers arrested in Kwara

    Suspected robbers arrested in Kwara

    Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 8 Christopher Dega has handed over key of a recovered Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Infinity to the owner Mr Lawal Adewale Dare.

    Presenting the vehicle stolen in December last year to the owner in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Mr. Dega lauded the gallantry of the officers and men of the command for being diligence, adding that the vehicle was recovered in the neighbouring town of Shaki, Oyo State.

    The states under Zone 8 are Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara.

    The AIG was in Ilorin as part of his working visits to police formations in the zone.

    Earlier the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the state, Agboola Oshodi-Glover had told reporters that the information extracted from the suspects led to the recovery of the vehicle.

    The Commissioner, who paraded the suspects and others, gave their names as Adekunle Ishola, Dele Cletus, Simon Ogundeji, Dare Suleiman, Salisu Balogun, Okesola Rufai, Kazeem Yakubu and Fatai Yakubu.

    Items recovered from them include three sharp cutlasses, one Toyota Corolla car, three motorcycles, two cut-to-size barrel guns and the sport utility vehicle.

    He said: “On December 13, 2013, one Lawal Adewale Dare of Mubo area of Ilorin reported that a gang of about six robbers invaded his house and stole some personal effects. The arrest of the first suspect who was identified by the complainant led to the arrest of the second, third and fourth suspects by a team of anti-robbery men from the state Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

    “Their confession also led to the arrest of one Fatai Balogun of Shaki area of Oyo State, who later led detectives to the recovery of an earlier stolen SUV and arrest of two other members of the gang.”

    The owner of the Infinity SUV, Elochukwu Okeke hailed the state police officers who helped him recover his vehicle.

    Mr. Okeke said he had lost hope of recovering this vehicle, “but this your boys have worked hard to recover my car. May God Almighty continue to be with them.”

    Mr. Oshodi-Glover also paraded a woman in her 30’s for allegedly kidnapping one-month-old daughter of her neighbour.

    The woman, whose name was given as Funke Odelabi allegedly, committed the crime early February around Sobi area of Ilorin.

    “On February 2, the complainant, one Funke Olowokere of the said address gave her one-month-old daughter to the suspect, who was her neighbour to help her take care of to enable her wash the baby’s napkins. But the woman allegedly disappeared with her baby. A search party was organised but neither she nor the baby was found.

    “This was reported at the police station and, in the course of investigation, the suspect was traced and arrested at Ogbomosho. She confessed that she did not have a child of her own, hence she decided to steal the child,” the commissioner said.