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Tag: Robbery

  • Robbery: Police arrest 32-year-old ex-soldier, one other suspect in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta State has arrested two robbery suspects Daniel Efe, a 32-year-old ex-soldier and Julius Osagba who specialise in car snatching.

    The Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, ASP Chucks Orisewezie, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Warri.

    Orisewezie said the a 32-year-old ex-soldier robbery suspect was apprehended by a team of policemen on Feb 21 along Sapele-Benin road in a Toyota Corolla car with fake registration number PBT 214 AA.

    “The suspect with the exhibit was transferred to the State Intelligence and Investigation Department, Police Headquarters, Asaba, where a thorough investigation was conducted on him.

    “During the investigation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted being a member of a syndicate. He was later discovered to be an ex-soldier who deserted the army as a sergeant.

    “However, the original plate number of the stolen vehicle which is WWR 121 AA was later recovered from the stolen vehicle,” he said.

    Orisewezie also said the same security team intercepted another Toyota Corolla car with fake registration number KMK 129 AE driven by Julius Osagba on Monday.

    “A thorough investigation by the intelligence officers at Asaba, led the suspect to confess to the crime.

    “The suspect, confessed that the registration number on the vehicle was fake and that he had thrown the original plate number into the sea,” he said.

    Orisewezie, however, warned criminals to steer clear Delta, saying that the command would use every legal security apparatus to bring criminals to justice.

    He, however, said that the suspects would appear in court after the completion of investigations.

    Recall that on Feb. 6 the anti-robbery team attached to the Ogwashi-Uku Police Division, near Asaba, killed a robbery suspect identified as Nonso Akubueze in a gun battle.

    The Divisional Police Officer, Tobi Debakeme, said the anti-robbery team acted on intelligence and confronted the robbery gang where they were robbing some residents.

    Debakeme said two of the gang members escaped with bullet wounds during a gun battle with the police, adding that the police would do everything possible to bring them to book.

     

  • Police nab 3 over alleged highway robbery in Enugu

    The police command in Enugu State has arrested three alleged highway robbers operating along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement issued on Sunday that the suspects were arrested on Feb. 15 at about 8p.m.

    Amaraizu said the feat was achieved by police operatives of Mbanabo Division who acted on intelligence information.

    He noted that the suspects specialised in planting sharp objects on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, thereby causing vehicles tyres to be punctured, forcing affected vehicles to stop and rob passengers.

    He said the suspects gave their names as Henry Odogwu of 36 Amechi Road, Awkunanaw; Clement Udo of 28 Odudukoko Street Gariki and Chinweuba Okoye of 17 Chikaogbe Street, Maryland Enugu State.

    According to him, the suspects were nabbed on their way to carry oyt their activities where they were rounded up by the operatives.

    “In their separate reactions, suspects had maintained that it was their friend identified as one Ifeanyi from Agbogugu in Awgu Local Government Area of the state who lured them into the illicit business.

    “The sharp chisel-like objects are usually placed on the road along Ogbaku axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway at night.

    “They said their role was always to come out from the bush to rob occupants of vehicle which tyres had picked sharp chisel objects placed on the road by the said Ifeanyi,’’ he said.

    Amaraizu said the suspects were regretting their actions and advised youths to know the kind of persons they keep as friends.

    He said this would allow them to avoid being misled into getting involved in criminality.

    He said that the suspects had been helping police operatives in their investigation, while manhunt on other members of the gang had been intensified.

     

  • Police arrest two for beheading rice dealer in Osogbo

    Police arrest two for beheading rice dealer in Osogbo

    The police command in Osun says it has arrested two suspects over alleged robbery and killing of a rice dealer by beheading him.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fimihan Adeoye, made this known while parading the suspects and other crime suspects at the Police Headquarters on Thursday in Osogbo.

    Adeoye said the arrested suspects were contracted to kill one Isiaka Sanusi, a 43-year-old businessman, on May 14, 2018, at about 9 pm, along Iwo Road, Osogbo.

    He said one Yekini Ayinde, also known as ‘Abija’, (a principal suspect still at large) had contacted the deceased to supply him 500 bags of rice.

    He said the deceased was lured into making the supply in Osogbo, from Saki in Oyo State, lodged in an hotel after the goods were supplied and later taken out to be killed.

    He said Ayinde contracted the arrested suspects, Dauda Amusat, known as Adasi and Pariola Kabiru, with five others, to kill the businessman after collecting the money initially paid to him for the supply.

    He said Amusat and his gang killed the victim by cutting off his head, and later confessed how four members of the gang took away the head for ritual purpose.

    Adeoye said three of the seven-man gang had earlier been arrested and charged to court, and that the newly arrested suspects would equally be charged after completion of investigation.

    He said the principal suspect in the case, Ayinde, was however still at large, but promised that the command would do the needful to ensure his arrest.

    The police boss also announced the arrest of two suspected cultists of the Eye Confraternity over their involvement in secret cult activities and killings at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

    Adeoye said all the suspects would be charged to court after the police had concluded their investigations.

    The commissioners appealed to residents of the state to report and shun all acts and forms of criminality, advising the youths to embrace hard work as there was no short cut to getting rich.

    NAN

  • Banks lost N12bn to robbery, other fraudulent activities in six months – CBN

    Banks lost N12bn to robbery, other fraudulent activities in six months – CBN

    Statistics obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday revealed that losses recorded by banks from armed robbery cases and other criminal activities perpetrated by members of staff and non-staff members of lending institutions rose to N12bn in six months.

    According to the CBN the attempted fraud and forgery cases, which were, however, not successful, stood at a figure of N7.99bn between January and June 2018.

    The CBN said that there was a staggering rise in the reported cases of such incidences from 16,762 in the first half of the financial year of 2017 to 20,768 in the corresponding period of 2018.

    It said, “There were 20,768 reported cases of fraud and forgery (attempted and successful), valued at N19.77bn in the review period, compared with 16,762 cases, involving N5.52bn and $ 0.12m in the corresponding period of 2017.

    “The actual loss by banks to fraud and forgery, however, amounted to N12.06bn, compared with the N0.78bn and $0.03m suffered in the first half of 2017.”

    The apex bank said the cases involved armed robbery attacks, fraudulent Automated Teller Machine withdrawals, defalcation, illegal funds transfer, pilfering of cash, stealing, suppression and conversion of customers’ deposits.

    As banks invest in their services to ensure that their technical systems are protected and secure, they have also continued to enlighten customers on how to stay safe with their deposits because fraudsters are also becoming more sophisticated in the way they gain access into different bank accounts.

    The banks have continued to have their share of the effects of insecurity challenges in the country as a result of reported cases of armed robbery attacks on them, situations in which robbers had carted away unspecified amount of money.

    Recall that one of the major costly attacks on banks this year, which did not only lead to loss of lives, was the incidence in April when armed gangs invaded five banks and wreaked havoc in Offa, Kwara State.

    Notwithstanding the risks in the economy and financial sector, the CBN noted that under its surveillance, it would continue to accord priority to the safety of the institutions.

    In that regard, it added that the CBN/Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation joint risk-based assessment of banks was conducted to ascertain the quality of risk assets and adequacy of loan loss provisions.

  • Five men imprisoned over alleged robbery of N2m Rolex watch with toy gun

    An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday remanded five unemployed men in Kirikiri Prisons for allegedly robbing a man of a Rolex wrist watch valued at N2 million with a toy gun.

    The accused are Ayodele Oluwafemi, 36; Imole Otegbeye, 22; Segun Sunday, 24; Rilwan Abdusalam, 22; and Ezekiel Ayodele, 22.

    The men, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a three-count charge bordering on robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. A. Adetunji, who gave the ruling, said the accused should be kept in Kirikiri Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    She directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the DPP.

    The prosecution had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 3 at 10.00 p. m. along Oshodi Airport Road, Lagos.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Matthew Akhaluode alleged the accused, with others still at large, armed themselves with a black toy gun and robbed the complainant, Mr Adamson Mustapha of his Rolex watch valued at N2 million in his car.

    “The complainant was on his way from the airport when the accused attacked him with a toy gun and robbed him of his N2 million Rolex watch.

    “The complainant alerted passersby and the accused were caught, realising that the gun was not real, ” he said.

    The offences contravened Sections 297(2), 299(1) and 330 (a), (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 297 (2) prescribes 21 years jail term for offenders.

    The magistrate adjourned the case until July 2 DPP’s advice.

    NAN

  • BREAKING: Police arrest two Offa robbery suspects [Photos]

    The Nigeria Police Force said it had arrested two out of the four gang leaders and principal suspects declared wanted on May 4 in connection with the Offa banks robbery.

    The suspects are: Kunle Ogunleye, 35, aka arrow, a native of Kwara, arrested on May 20 in Oro town in Kwara and Michael Adikwu, a native of Apa Local Government Area of Benue, was also arrested by the Joint Investigation Team in Kwara two weeks ago.

    Recall that the armed robbers had attacked five commercial banks in Offa on April 5, during which 17 persons, including policemen and a pregnant woman, were killed.

    The Force spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said the suspects who were arrested by the joint Police Investigation Team were in Police Custody.

    Moshood said that the suspects have confessed to be the gang-leaders of their groups.

    “The two suspects have confessed to the crime and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the robbery. They will be charged to court on completion of investigation,“ he said.

    He said that Adikwu, who was a police corporal, was dismissed for criminal conspiracy and aiding the escape from custody of armed robbery suspects.

    “He served three years in Prison and subsequently found his way out in 2015,“ he said.

    The spokesman said that the arrest of the two gang leaders had brought the number of suspects arrested so far in connection with the Offa banks robbery to 22.

    He commended members of the public and other patriotic Nigerians for the timely information leading to the arrest of the 22 who are currently in police custody.

    Moshood enjoined members of the public with any information about other suspects still at large should feel free to contact the police through the following Phone numbers 08062080913, 08126285268, 08032365122, 07056792065, 08088450152.

    “ Protection of the informant will be guaranteed by the police and handsome rewards in addition to the pledge of N5 million by the Kwara Government await anyone whose information leads to the arrest of these wanted suspects,“ he said.

    The police spokesman said the Force would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the perpetrators of the robbery were rounded up and prosecuted.

  • 2 inspectors, 3 sergeants nabbed over robbery attempt in Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five serving policemen over the alleged robbery attempt on one Mr Immanuel James, at Ago-Palace way, Okota, a Lagos suburb.

    The suspects — two Inspectors and three Sergeants –were identified to be operatives attached to Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS), Ipakodo.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Chike Oti, who confirmed their arrest to newsmen on Tuesday, said that the men were not operatives from the Federal SARS, Ikeja Unit as reported.

    He, however, said that one Inspector Jude Akhoyemta, who was earlier mentioned in the matter among suspects, was found to be innocent.

    “In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, the Command hereby informs the general public that further enquiry into the allegation of harassment of one Immanuel James Ibe-Anyanwu by SARS operatives at Ago-Palace way, Okota revealed the true identity of officers involved in the highly regrettable incident.

    “Those involved are currently undergoing interrogation at the Command’s X-Squad Section and would be marched before an Adjudicating Officer at the Police Provost Department for the commencement of their orderly room trial,” Oti said.

  • Death toll in Offa robbery rises to 30

    Death toll in Offa robbery rises to 30

    The death toll from Thursday’s robbery attack in Offa town in Kwara State has risen to at least 30.

    About 30 robbers had hit the town, raiding five commercial banks along the Owode Market Area of the town in Offa Local Government Area of the state.

    The attack which lasted for hours had left the banks damaged with many feared killed and many more injured. The armed robbers were said to have made away with several millions of naira from the banks, leaving behind a tale of sorrow, tears and blood.

    Initial reports had put the death toll at between 12 and 15, but the figure has risen significantly.

    Nine police officers were among those killed in the attack while there are fears that the death toll may rise as some of the assailants were said to have attacked the police station in the area.

    Channels Television gathered that the gunmen arrived the town in seven vehicles and stationed themselves in each of the banks around 4:30 pm.

    At the General Hospital Offa, one of the medical doctors revealed that 21 bodies were brought in to the facility and nine of them were police officers.

    The doctor on duty at a private hospital also in the town also confirmed the death of three victims while one was on admission.

    Some residents in the area described the robbery as bloody and called for more security presence in the town, saying the incident has become an affair of every five years.

    Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has condemned the attack as a wicked act perpetrated by cruel individuals.

    In a Facebook post, he said, “Yesterday’s savage attack on unsuspecting citizens and establishments in Offa LGA that led to significant loss of lives and injury is a despicable act committed by cruel individuals.

    “Make no mistake, there will never be any valid grounds or rationale behind such violence that has left many families without their loved ones — and one more community in grief and shock.”

    Senator Saraki, however, called on the public to collaborate with the government to prevent a reoccurrence of the ugly incident.

    He also stressed the need for Nigerians to cooperate with the government at all levels to increase the security of various communities across the country.

  • Gov Ahmed visits Offa robbery victims, promises to pay medical bills

    Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has promised to pay the medical bills of victims of Thursday’s armed robbery attack in Offa, headquarters of Offa Local Government Area.

    Ahmed made the promise when he visited the victims at the General Hospital in Ilorin on Friday.

    The governor had earlier ordered that the victims be relocated to Ilorin from Offa for adequate treatment.

    He also directed that medical experts be mobilised from other states to Ilorin so as to give the victims prompt treatment and support.

    Ahmed, who went round the wards to meet with the victims, described the incident as unfortunate.

    He commiserated with families who lost loved ones and also prayed to God to grant the injured victims quick recovery.

    “We will take care of all their hospital bills, we must begin to watch each other’s back.

    “The job of policing is everybody’s job, when we see strange people in our communities, we must learn to report to appropriate security agencies.

    “Activities like this took sometimes in planning and execution,” Ahmed said.

    The governor also stressed the need for community policing, maintaining that the police would work efficiently if they have information.

    He reiterated his government’s support to strengthen the security agencies in the state, especially in the area of logistics.

    Ahmed, however, noted that there was huge problem of financing in the country, but pledged that his government would work around it because the situation was now becoming precarious.

    He maintained that his government would not allow the lives of the citizens to be on the line again.

    The governor also inspected the stadium complex which was damaged in Tuesday ’s downpour.

    He promised that his government would prioritise the repair of the affected parts of the stadium.

    Ahmed also promised that work would start at the Indoor Sports Hall of the stadium complex as soon as funds were available.

  • Police arrest fleeing suspect in Imo Zenith Bank robbery one year after

    Police arrest fleeing suspect in Imo Zenith Bank robbery one year after

    The Imo State Police Command on Friday arrested the last member of the armed robbery gang that invaded a branch of Zenith Bank in the state.

    Recall that the armed robbery gang (numbering about four) killed two policemen and wounded another.

    The suspect was identified as Chinonso Gift Onwuegbuchulam, aka, Ogolo, from Obazu Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

    Parading the suspect on Friday in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said, “I am delighted to announce to you that the remaining member of the gang, one Chinonso Gift Onwuegbuchulam, aka, Ogolo, male, 29 of age, hails from Obazu Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State, was arrested on February 21, 2018.

    “The suspect, who claimed to hold a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Government and Public Administration from Imo State University in 2008, was arrested in his hideout at Close 7, Mgbuakara Eleparawan, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.”

    According to the CP, the suspect had confessed to the crime and further revealed that out of the N2.8m his gang stole from their target, he got a share of N400,000.

    “The suspect also confessed to being an armed robber since 2012 and has participated in several robbery operations in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Owerri between 2012 and 2017.

    “He is helping in our investigation as we speak,” Ezike stressed.

    According to the police boss, the arrest of Onwuegbuchulam has signaled the closure of this criminal gang and their nefarious activities.

    Ezike recalled, “I addressed the Press on June 13, 2017, on this subject matter where I stated that on February 22, 2017, an armed robbery gang trailed a bank customer to the Wetheral Road branch of Zenith Bank, Owerri and unleashed attack within the bank premises.

    “The hoodlums shot into the air repeatedly and exchanged gunfire with the three policemen from our command posted to the bank.”

    The CP recalled that one of the armed robbers, Ikechukwu Okpara, was shot dead by Chukwudi Iboko.

    He said through investigations, three members of the gang — Justice Ogbenna, 36; Abiye Charles and Okechukwu Nwanegbo were arrested by the police.

    Ezike, who recalled that two AK47 rifles with 100 rounds of live ammunition and another rifle with 175 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the gang, said four vehicles were also recovered by the police.

    “The arrest of the remaining member of the gang, Chinonso Gift Onwuegbuchulam, from Obazu Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State signals the closure of this criminal gang and their nefarious activities,” Ezike said.

    When interviewed, the suspect confessed that he was part of the deadly operation and that he received N400,000 from the bank robbery incident.

    “I was part of the operation and I got N400,000 from the N2.8m we stole.

    “I am aware that my gang members were dead and that was why I ran to Lagos so as to remain elusive to the police,” the suspect said.

    Responding to a question, Onwuegbuchulam said, “I regret my actions. If given another opportunity, I will repent.”