The Nation Newspaper

Tag: suspected robber

  • Suspected robber apprehended in Jigawa

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa said it had arrested a suspected robber at Gujungu town, Taura Local Government.

    Spokesman Adamu Abdullahi made this known in a statement in Dutse yesterday.

    He said the suspect was arrested on December 21 about 8:30 pm, by NSCDC operatives.

    “On December 21 about 8:30pm, our officers on their way coming back to Dutse from Auyo Local Government where they have gone for a special assignment, got information from motorists, who could not proceed further because of fear of being robbed that the road was blocked by some men suspected to be robbers.

    “With that in mind, the officers decided to confront them and on getting to the scene, they sighted about four vehicles being stopped and people lying down on the road with some men standing over them in military uniforms flashing torchlights.

    “Our officers decided to fire warning shots in the air, which made the suspected robbers to take to their heels, leaving behind sticks and machetes.

    “One person was arrested in the process and brought to the office for further investigation, while four of his accomplices are still at large.

    “The arrested suspect is a 40-year-old from Chai-Chai, a town under Ringim Local Government.

    “Among those allegedly robbed were a very Senior Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and his family members on their way home for Christmas,” Abdullahi said.

    He denied a report credited to him that it was the family of the Comptroller General of NIS that was robbed by the suspects.

    “It was the family of a very senior officer of NIS that was robbed, not the family of the Comptroller General of Immigration as reported by other media houses.

    “Civil Defence never mentioned the CGI in its interview.”

    The spokesman added that the robbers seized the senior officer’s ID Card and international passport.

    “Several victims complained that their money and phones were collected by the robbers.

    “Put together, and based on complaints received, at least N450,000 was taken from the robbery victims,” he said.

  • Suspected robber jumps into lagoon

    •Three held

    A man described as a member of a robbery gang on Monday jumped into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge to evade arrest.

    He was said to have taken the plunge with the gang’s loot.

    His colleagues said it happened after the one-chance gang robbed four passengers going to Oshodi from Ketu-Alapere.

    They gave his name as Junior. Other members of the gang, who have been arrested by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), are Amos Williams, 21, Paul Olise, 37, and John Akinyemi.

    Rather than drop the passengers at Oshodi, the Vanagon Bus with registration number AKD562XP they were using sped towards Iyana Oworo. The gang descended on the passengers on the bridge and pushed them out after dispossessing them of their valuables.

    It was gathered that a victim, Semiu Oluwaseun, was rescued by a motorist.

    After hearing his story, the motorist chased the bus and slowed on sighting some RRS operatives.

    A source said: “The victim reported what happened to the RRS men, who chased the bus and double-crossed it. But the suspects noticed they were being followed.

    “Junior jumped off the vehicle. He was hit twice by oncoming vehicles and he jumped into the lagoon straight away. The other three were arrested.”

    Oluwaseun, it was gathered, told the police that the robbers took his N500,000 and mobile phones.

    Akinyemi, the gang leader, said: “We were four. I was in charge of calling the team to work.  It was our first trip for the day. We took four passengers at Estate Bus Stop in Alapere.

    “They were going to Oshodi. We dispossessed them and dropped them off before Iyana-Oworo one after the other. We took their phones and money.

    “We have been doing this for more than three months. We sell the mobile phones and jewellery, and we share the money. Junior was carrying all the money and items we obtained that day. I do not know if he was confused because of the vehicles that knocked him as he was running. He jumped into the water.”

    Another victim, Jamiu Ojuroye, who was robbed on Sunday, identified Akinyemi as the driver of the bus he took. The gang, he said, collected his N150,000.

    Parading the suspects yesterday, Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal said: “A police patrol team stationed on the Third Mainland Bridge attached to RRS of the command on pin-down duty, received information that robbers were robbing passengers on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    “Based on the information, the team led by Inspector Emmanuel Isagua swung into action and arrested the suspects. The suspects have since been identified by one of their victims. The case will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

  • Police arrest suspected robber who attempted to kill car dealer

    A suspected robber who attempted to kill a car dealer has been arrested by the operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

    The suspect, identified as Abdulkareem was said to have shot the unnamed car dealer at close range in order to avoid paying for a car he collected on credit four days earlier.

    The victim however survived the gun attack, bite the suspect on his neck and destabilised him.

    Abdukareem, who fled from the scene was apprehended three weeks later.

    According to IRT sources, the suspect was arrested in his house in Gombe during a lavish party he threw to celebrate his new car.

    The suspect was said to have confessed to carrying out robberies within Gombe State and Abuja environs.

  • Suspected robber nabbed in Enugu

    Enugu State Police Command has arrested a suspected robber, who specialised in snatching tricycles (Keke Napep) in Enugu metropolis, spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said in a statement yesterday in Enugu.

    He said the suspect was nabbed on April 8, adding that a stolen tricycle was recovered from him.

    Amaraizu said operatives from the Central Police Station, Enugu, acted after receiving a tip-off from the public.

    “It was gathered that the suspect with his cohorts at large, allegedly at gunpoint, robbed their victim of his tricycle registered as UWN 418 QK, at Mbanugo Coal Camp axis of Enugu and escaped.

    “Through a distress call, operatives swung into action and pursued the hoodlums, which paid off, as one of them was nabbed, while others escaped.

    “Recovered from the suspect is the tricycle,’’ he said.

     

     

    The spokesman said the suspect was helping the police in their investigation, adding that a manhunt for the fleeing accomplices is on.

     

  • Police arrest suspected robber in Enugu

    The police in Enugu have arrested a suspected robber, who specialises in using tricycle (Keke Napep) to rob.

    Spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said in a statement in Enugu yesterday that the suspect was nabbed at artisan market area on April 8.

    He said the arrest was made by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad.

    Amaraizu said the suspect, Chika Ezike, was nabbed based on intelligence concerning his alleged nefarious activities and elusiveness.

    “The suspect confessed that he posed as a security operative while driving the tricycle and at a secluded area, he would dispossess his victims of their belongings and money.

    “The suspect is regretting his action. He is blaming Satan for his woes,’’ he said.

    The spokesman said the suspect had been helping the police in their investigation.

    He urged residents to be wary of the antics of criminals.

    “The public should report any suspicious person, object and gathering by calling the command’s four numbers: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 and 08098880172.

    “They can also use nigeriapoliceenugustatecommand for Facebook; @Police NG_enugu for Twitter and enugustatepolice @gmail. com,enugustate police@ gmail.com for Email,’’ Amaraizu said.

  • Police kill suspected robber in gun duel

    •Final year Bayelsa varsity student arrested

    A gang of suspected robbers, including a final year student of Political Science at Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Bayelsa State yesterday engaged the police in a gun duel.

    One of the suspects, identified as Selepamodei Ogioi, 23, was reportedly gunned down by the police.

    The Nation learnt that another suspect, Kimipanipre Franklin, aka Castro, 22, a final year Political Science student of NDU, was injured.

    Police spokesman Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said Castro confessed that they were members of Bobos cult.

    He said the third suspect was at large, adding that efforts were on to arrest him.

    Butswat attributed the arrest to the counter-security measure of the Commissioner of Police codenamed, Operation Safer Bayelsa (OSB).

    He said the operation was recording gains, as officers were determined to tackle crimes.

    Narrating the incident, Butswat said: “On April 8, about 0200hrs, the command control room alerted the Azikoro Divisional Police Anti-Robbery Team that robbers were operating behind Azikoro Health Care Centre, Azikoro, Yenagoa.

    “The team responded swiftly and met about three daredevil robbers on the spot. The robbers engaged the police in a gun duel. Police exchanged fire, shot one of the robbers and injured another.

    “The team recovered one locally-made cut-to-size gun, two live cartridges, eight phones, jewellery and cash.

    “The victims, Iprebo Ayebanengiyefa ‘m’ 40; Awubare Ife ‘m’ 39 and Sunny Peter ‘m’ , 42, have identified their phones among those recovered from the suspects.

    “Investigation has led to the arrest of Favour Wisdom ‘f’, 16, the girlfriend of the deceased suspect, who is allegedly their armourer.

    “The public should partner the police by providing information to ensure a safer Bayelsa.”

     

     

  • Woman disarms suspected robber in Ekiti

    A suspected robber, Shadrach Jeminiwa, has met his waterloo during a robbery at Ido-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government of Ekiti State.

    A woman, Mrs. Bukola Ogunmiloye, dispossessed him of his pistol.

    The victim shouted and neighbours rushed to the scene to apprehend the suspected hoodlum.

    The 27-year-old suspect was arraigned at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

    He is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery. Jeminiwa pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, Oriyomi Akinwale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on or about February 13 around 10a.m.

    He alleged that the accused went to the home of Mrs. Ogunmiloye while she was not at home, stole her belongings, not knowing that she was in the neighbourhood.

    The prosecutor said: “Immediately the woman entered, the accused removed his pistol and pointed it at her.

    “But the woman was brave enough to disarm him. She gripped his hands and disarmed him.

    “The woman screamed and people rushed to the scene. They apprehended the suspect and retrieved the woman’s valuables.”

    He said the offence contravened Section 1 (3) (a) of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provision) Act 2004.

    The Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Afeniforo, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    The court adjourned the case till April 20.

  • Mob set suspected robber ablaze in Onitsha

    Mob set suspected robber ablaze in Onitsha

    A suspected robber was on Wednesday set ablaze by irate youths in Nkpor, near Onitsha, following alleged robbery attack on a businessman along Owerri-Awka road in the area.

    An eyewitness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the victim had just finished withdrawing money from a nearby bank at about 3pm, when he was attacked by the suspect and two others operating on motorcycle.

    According to the source, the suspected robbers dispossessed the victim of an undisclosed amount of money, after trailing him from a distance.

    “The victim quickly raised alarm which attracted passersby, who gave them a hot chase and apprehended one suspect, while his accomplices escaped.

    “The suspect was immediately set ablaze by the angry youths before the arrival of the local security operatives in the area,” the source said.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Nkeiru Nwode were not successful.

    When contacted, the Coordinator, Nkpor Central Vigilante Services, Mr Raphael Anonye, who confirmed the incident, told NAN that efforts are on to arrest the escapees.

    He however cautioned residents not to take laws into their hands, adding that they should allow security agencies carry out their responsibility.

     

  • Residents lynch suspected robber to death

    A yet-to-be identified young man has been reportedly lynched to death by angry residents of Omuma, off Ama Ogbonna in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State.

    Our correspondent learnt the mob set his body ablaze after lynching him before dumping it at the popular Macro junction.

    It was gathered robbers have been having a field day at Omuma, Ama Ogbonna and other neighborhoods forcing residents to form vigilante groups.

    A resident, who simply gave his name as Chiadikobi, said luck however ran out of the suspect when he tried dispossessing a resident of her belongings.

    Chiadikobi said: “We were inside when we started hearing someone screaming.

    “It attracted other residents who quickly rounded him up and set his body ablaze.

    “People can no longer walk or sleep freely at night for fear of being attacked by the boys around here.

    “Because they know the terrain well, they have developed different ways of beating the vigilante.

    “I am fully in support of what happened to the robber. I hope that some of his colleagues would learn their lessons.

    “It is a warning to others and let me say that we are ready to burn as many robbers as possible. I think it is payback time. As we speak now, his body has even started decomposing.”

    When contacted, Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he was yet to be informed about the incident.

    Ogbonna, who condemned jungle justice, advised residents to report the matter to the Health Department of the affected local government for prompt evacuation of the corpse.

  • Mob lynches suspected robber

    Mob lynches suspected robber

    •Three others injured 

    Four suspected armed robbers were yesterday beaten to a pulp at Jibowu, Lagos Mainland, for allegedly snatching the handbag of Joy Oroh.

    They are Ahmed Fatai, Rafiu Mogaji, Godwin Uzong and Bayo Kadiri, who was feared dead at the time The Nation got to the scene.

    The incident, which occurred at about 3:20pm, caused a gridlock around Jibowu Bus stop on Ikorodu road.

    It was gathered that the suspects snatched the woman’s brown handbag after she withdrew some money from Diamond Bank.

    Fatai was shot on the leg and arrested by a policeman attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Sqaud (SARS), who was on motorcycle patrol.

    The policeman was said to have called for backup from the Onipanu Police Station and Yaba.

    A motorcyclist, who saw the suspects dispossessing the woman of her handbag and chased them towards the West African Examinations Council (WEAC) bus stop in Yaba, was shot on the leg.

    The sight of the bleeding motorcyclist was said to have provoked bystanders who chased and caught three of the suspects beside First Bank on Morocco Road, Yaba.

    The three were saved from being burnt on the expressway by the police.

    The crowd booed as the policemen took the suspects to the station in their patrol van.

    At the time of filing this story, the suspects were being profiled at the division for onward transfer to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja.

    Three of the suspects could barely talk; the fourth, Kadiri, was not breathing.

    The Nation observed that all the suspects were in a pool of blood; Fatai pleaded for water.

    “We cannot give him water because if we do he will die. Once he drinks water here, that will be all. He was the only one that was shot on the leg. The others were beaten by civilians.

    “Look at this one, he is no longer breathing. I really doubt if any of them can survive. But we need to profile them first before handing them over. From what I have heard, they came all the way from Ijora to rob in this area,” said a police source.

    Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmus, a Superintendent (SP), said the suspects attack the woman on a motorcycle.

    She said she was not aware if any of the suspects died.

    “They robbed one Joy Oroh who went to Diamond Bank in Jibowu to do a transaction of N200, 000. She was waylaid by the robbers.

    “One of them at large used the motorbike to rob her and fled, but the others ran out of luck.

    “One of them was instantly arrested by a policeman who was passing the area, while the others were nabbed at Morocco Road by a combined team of policemen. I am not aware if any of them is dead.  I do not have that information,” she said.