The Nation Newspaper

Tag: robbers

  • Four robbers impersonating F-SARS killed in Rivers

    Four robbers terrorising Rivers State residents and impersonating operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) have been shot dead.

    The criminals, who were armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, died in a gun duel with F-SARS operatives, after robbing Mr. Wey Nwinanadun in his home at Ogbogoro, Port Harcourt in Obio/Akpor Local Government last Saturday about 6a.m.

    Items recovered from them included a brown Toyota Avalon XLS saloon car registered as Lagos BP 151 EPE, suspected to have been stolen, plasma TV set, laptops, phones, AK-47 rifle, among others.

    The Nation learnt that the robbers had attacked Ada-George and Iwofe areas of Port Harcourt.

    A victim, Nwinanadun, while inspecting the recovered items, hailed F-SARS operatives for their bravery, courage and determination to rid Rivers of criminals.

    F-SARS Commander Akin Fakorede said yesterday that the operatives would reduce crime.

     

  • Robbers kill bus driver

    Robbers kill bus driver

    One-chance robbers have killed a commercial bus operator at Rainbow Bus Stop on Oshodi-Apapa expressway near Mile 2, Lagos.

    The driver was shot on November 19 while trying to retrieve his bus from the robbers.

    He was rushed to the hospital by Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives, who chased the robbers and retrieved the bus.

    The driver died on Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    Another victim of the robbery incident, Liberty Whitney, 20, from Warri, Delta State, had her valuables recovered from the robbers by the RRS.

    Whitney, an International Relations graduate from Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, was coming from the school around 9.30pm.

    She boarded the unpainted bus from Oshodi to Mile 2.

    According to her, more passengers joined the bus. On getting to Rainbow Bus Stop, two men boarded the bus and that was when pandemonium struck.

    She said: “The two men in white native attires pointed guns at us, telling us to remain calm and do as we were told. Other passengers were screaming and jumping down from the bus, I was held by a man  that  joined the bus at Cele Bus Stop unknowing to us that he was a member of the gang, he pulled me back.

    “As I made another attempt to jump down, one of three robbers brandished a gun in my face with threat of shooting if I didn’t comply. One of them asked me for my phone, bag and money and when I was reluctant, he hit me with the gun butt. I couldn’t breathe well for some minutes. I handed over all I had with me instantly, my travelling bag, polythene bag, laptop, phone, chargers and school certificates. Afterward, I was allowed to jump down from the vehicle. Some minutes later, I heard a gunshot; then man was thrown off the bus. He had been shot. He hung on the back of the bus. I don’t know why he did that; it was at this point that RRS men chased the vehicle with bikes. The robbers shot several times in the air but the policemen went after them.

    “The robbers on getting to Mile 2 abandoned the bus. I followed the bus and the police at a reasonable distance on a bike until the robbers stopped and ran away. I was able to get my valuables and documents back except for my phone that the robbers took with them.

    “I later realised that the man shot and clung to the back of the bus was the driver. He was fighting for his bus which, I learnt, was his only source of livelihood.”

    Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Superintendent (SP) advised that people should not drag valuables with robbers especially when they are armed.

    The case, Oti said, has been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

  • Americans lose valuables to robbers

    Three Americans have lost their travel documents, money, phones and other valuables to traffic robbers at Oshodi.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred on November 6, around 8:20pm, while the visitors were on their way to Victoria Island from the Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).

    The victims, whose names were not disclosed, were said to be working for a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the United States (U.S) and were in the country to attend a programme.

    The victims were issued new travel documents and returned to America.

    According to a security expert, Seyi Adetayo, who shared the ordeal of the American nationals on social media, the victims were attacked by four men, who surrounded the vehicle conveying them to Eko Hotel.

    He said: “They arrived Lagos at about 5pm and were stuck in a traffic gridlock for about three hours in Oshodi.  Their vehicle was attacked around 8:20pm around Oshodi axis.  The assailants were four in number. They surrounded the vehicle.  Immediately, the two at the back smashed the windows and yelled at them “where is the money? One of the passengers lost her laptop, wallet, cash and travel passport.  The second colleague lost her IPhone.

    “The case was reported at Ilupeju Police Station the next day and we were informed that a lot of robbery attacks took place around that place and time. We were also told that two Britons just left the police station, they were attacked and also lost all their valuables, including their passports, bags, phones etc.

    “We were advised that pending when the Oshodi construction work would be completed, once it is 4pm we should take the international/local airport axis to Maryland and make a turn towards Ojota to connect Alapere to the third mainland.

    “They confirmed that Maryland towards Anthony to connect with the bridge is also not safe.  We are also approaching the festive period and need to be more security conscious.”

    Adetayo told The Nation that a colleague of his who works with the victims’ establishment, was the originator of the post, adding that he only shared it on social media for motorists to be conscious.

  • Peace Corps officer arrests four robbers, rescues two victims

    Peace Corps officer arrests four robbers, rescues two victims

    AN operative of Peace Corps, Adebisi Mukaila Michael, in a rare display of bravery has rescued two persons, Temilola Isiaka and Kehinde Daodu from a gang of four armed robbers at Orisumabare area in Osogbo, Osun State and handed them over to the police.

    According to eyewitnesses, Michael was driving along the area when he sighted the robbers armed with dangerous weapons attacking the victims around 8pm. He was said to have engaged the robbers to save Temilola and Kehinde.

    It was learnt that Michael was assisted by some passersby and he succeeded in disarming the robbers and took them to the Dugbe Divisional Police Station.

    Two member of the gang arrested, Kaseem Oladehinde and Idowu Hazzan have since been arraigned in a magistrate court in Oshogbo.

    Police Prosecutor, Mr Ajayi Sunday told the court that Oladehinde and Idowu and others at large at about 8:00pm at Orisumibare stole a bag containing the sum of one hundred and ninety six thousand naira (N196, 000.00) and a mobile phone.

    Ajayi also told the court that “the accused persons attacked two persons, Isiaka Temilola and Kehinde Daodu with dangerous weapons and injured the Peace Corps officer that recued them.”

    The police prosecutor added that the accused persons also damaged the Peace Corps Officer’s Toyota Highlander vehicle with registration number JJJ 242 GQ, and stole his identity card and ATM card.

    Michael, who was also present in court during the arraignment said the accused persons also took his uniform and desert boots from his car. Michael sworn to an affidavit in which he listed the items that the accused persons took from his car.

    The police prosecutor told the court that the accused persons committed various offences contrary to and punishable under the law. The accused persons pleaded guilty.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Adenike Olowolagba ordered that the accused persons be remanded and adjourned the case till November 8, 2 017.

  • Robbers cart away millions in Air Peace office attack

    Robbers cart away millions in Air Peace office attack

    Four suspected robbers, on Sunday night, attacked the Office of Air Peace Airline, at the domestic airport, Akure, Ondo State capital.

    The robbers, sources said, acted on a tip-off, and went away with millions of naira.

    They were said to have stolen workers’ belongings.

    The hoodlums reportedly entered the airport on Owo-Akure Road through a bush path, and headed for Air Peace Office.

    The Nation learnt that the incident was reported at Oba-Ile Police Station in Akure North Local Government.

    An employee of the airline, who spoke in confidence, told reporters yesterday that workers resumed on Monday, and discovered the theft.

    He said the stolen money was proceeds of tickets sold between last Friday and Sunday.

    Read also: Robbers burgle Air Peace office in Ondo

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph confirmed the incident.

    He said suspects had been arrested, adding that they were assisting the police with information.

     

  • Police confirm death of three robbers

    The police in Bayelsa State yesterday confirmed that the three robbers arrested on October 13, died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

    Spokesman Butswat Asinim identified the deceased as Solomon Atuya, 26; Dickson Ebibatei, 30; Preye Niwanidigha, 30 and Oyinkuro Dakuro Robert, 23.

    He said they died from injuries sustained in a shootout with the police and the beating they received from a mob, who assisted the police in arresting them.

    Asinim said: “On October 13, about 1300hrs, policemen responded to a distress call that armed men in a Honda car robbed people of their N2 million and belongings.

    “The Special Anti-robbery Squad chased the hoodlums and intercepted them on Isaac Boro Expressway.

    “The suspects exchanged gunshots with the team. Others attempted to escape, but were chased by youths and were arrested. They were beaten by a mob.

    “The suspects sustained injuries and were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. One British made pistol, one locally made pistol and a Honda car, registered as EF 66 LSR, were recovered from them.

    “The suspects later died in hospital due to injuries sustained during the shootout.

    “Investigation is on to arrest fleeing suspects.”

  • Police kill two robbers, arrest one in Ogun

    Police kill two robbers, arrest one in Ogun

    Two members of a robbery gang were gunned down while another was arrested on Friday by men of the Ogun State Police Command along the Sagamu-Benin/Ore road.

    The State Commissioner of Police Ahmed Iliyasu, who paraded the suspects before journalists at Igbeba Area Command in Ijebu-Ode, said the police acting on a tip-off, arrested the suspects at along the J4, Ogun Waterside stretch of the Sagamu – Ore express way.

    Iliyasu added that the Anti-robbery team of the Ogbere Police Division led by John Okoh, engaged the suspects in hours – long gun duel before they were attested.

    He said other members of the syndicate escaped from the scene with bullet wounds.

    “In the early hours of today, our men at Ogbere Division received a distress call about a group of armed bandit who blocked Sagamu/Ore expressway at J4 area to rub commuters plying the road.

    “Upon the distress call, the DPO of the station, SP John Okoh led his antirobbey and other tactical and combat team to the scene where they met the robbers dispossessing commuters of their valuables.

    “In sighting the policemen, the bandits engaged them in a gun duel which lasted for hours. At the end of the encounter, two members of the dreaded syndicate were gunned down and one was arrested alive while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

    “The victims were rescued unhurt and we’ve launch serious manhunt for the escaped members of the gang.

    “Recovered from them are single barrel gun, one phone, a carton of car sound protector and other instruments used in their heinous activities.”

    While assuring of safety of life and property in the Command, the Police boss appealed to members of the public, especially health workers to report any incident of gunshot wound to the police.

    “I hereby appeal to members of the public, especially hospitals and other health workers to report to the police if anybody with gunshot wound is seen around this area.

    “The Command is determined and resolute against crime and criminality and any criminal who dares any part of the state will definitely have himself to blame,” Iliyasu said.

  • We use fake wooden guns, say suspected robbers

    We use fake wooden guns, say suspected robbers

    A member of a suspected two-man robbery gang, Augustine Uba, has confessed that their victims “tremble like crayfish” whenever he and his partner Stephen Aleke, rob them using wooden guns.

    Aleke, 22, and Uba, 25, were paraded yesterday by the Lagos State Police Command at its headquarters in Ikeja.

    They were arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), for allegedly using fake guns to threaten their victims before dispossessing them of money, phones and other valuables.

    Aleke confessed to The Nation that they had not made up to N20,000 before they were caught. He blamed hardship for his foray into robbery.

    He said: “I used to sell fast food and snacks at Mowe in Ogun State, but when we were driven from the roads by a Task Force, we started hustling through other means. We found life hard, and, in an effort to survive, we resorted to armed robbery. Unfortunately, I had not made any reasonable money before we were arrested. I did not make up to N20,000 in the two operations I participated in.

    “In most of our stolen goods, the receivers cheated us. They never paid us in full for any of the goods they received from us. If you gave them 10 phones, they would end up telling you that they were able to sell only four or five before they were chased away by the police, and they lost others while escaping.”

    The second suspect Uba described how they made their fake weapon.

    He said: “We don’t operate with real guns. We use fake guns made of wood and sellotape. When we point it at victims, they tremble like crayfish.

    “Any place we go to rob, we are always careful to make sure the victims don’t discover that our guns were fake, to avoid their lynching us. If I regain my freedom, I will not rob again.”

  • Armed men attack warehouse, made away with cash

    Armed men attack warehouse, made away with cash

    A three man gang of robbers have reportedly attacked a warehouse located opposite St. Michael’s Anglican Church, along St. Michael’s road, Aba, Abia State.

    The gunmen who were said to have struck the place in a commercial tricycle at about 5pm on Monday were reported to have made away with undisclosed huge amount of money which the owner of the warehouse was said to have been paid to by his customers who came to buy goods from him.

    The Nation learnt that the hoodlums before leaving the place shot at one of the workers in the warehouse that was later rushed to an undisclosed private clinic where treatment was being administered. It was however not clear if there was any confrontation between the robbers and the victim.

    The robbers who many believed have been carrying surveillance on the area before they struck was said to have left the scene with the same tricycle with a commercial plate number which they came with.

    The incident was said to have caused pandemonium and forced business owners in the area to close shop abruptly.

    An eyewitness who gave her name as Grace described the incident as surprising, stressing that the hoodlums executed their plans as if they had someone carrying surveillance for them in the area.

    “The owner of the shop, we learnt offloaded goods at the weekend and since Monday morning he has been making sales as many people have been coming to carry bell of clothes. The place has been busy and no one would have suspected that such a thing could happen. In fact, it took everyone by surprise. They even want to release gun in the air while they were leaving, but the short gun which they came with couldn’t shoot again while they were driving off,” the eyewitness narrated.

    Business and economic activities have since returned to the area when our reporter visited the area on Tuesday as many shop owners who said that it was the first time such a thing was happening around the area said that they have become more vigilant than ever after the incident.

  • Robbers kill final year student

    A final year student of Business Education in Ebonyi state University (EBSU) Abakaliki, Chinedu Linus, has been shot dead by armed robbers at his hostel in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    The four-man gang also robbed the deceased, who hailed from Ishiagu in Ivo Local government area of the state and others in the hostel of their money, laptops, handsets and other valuables.

    The robbers, it was gathered, stormed the Lucky City Hostel of the deceased at Ishieke campus of the University at about 1:30 am on Friday during heavy downpour of rain and killed him.

    They proceeded to rob him and his neighbours.

    It was learnt they gained entry to the fenced hostel located in a secluded area with ladders.

    An eyewitness and 200 level student of Political Science in the University, Eric John, said they were sleeping in the midnight when they heard someone knocking at the gate and Linus, President of the hostel, came out with a rod to know who was knocking.

    “We were all sleeping at about 1:30am when we heard someone knocking at the gate and our President, Chinedu Linus  came out to know who was actually knocking.

    “He was with a rod when he went out to defend himself. When he went out, they were asking him where the money is. Where is the money?

    “The next I heard we when they pushed him out and shot him. They collected his laptop and money, came to my own house

    and collected my N15, 000 and two phones,” he recalled.

    Special Adviser to Governor David Umahi on Students’ Affairs, Onwe Gideon who visited the hostel, expressed sadness on the incident.

    He said the government has urged security agents to include the Lucky City hostel as one of security flashpoints to be patrolled by them every 24 hours.

    Police spokesman, Loveth Odah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.