22nd February, 2013
A 40-year old truck driver identified as Anthony Nzeakor and his accomplice Onyebuchi Onwukwu are currently facing trial for allegedly snatching a 40 feet container loaded with goods valued at N12 million.
The two of them were arrested by security operatives at the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, Southwest Nigeria after a tip off.
P.M.NEWS reliably gathered that Anthony was arrested at Iddo Truck Park, Oyingbo, while Onwuchukwu was nabbed at Onitsha, where he had gone to deliver the stolen goods to an accomplice called Obi, who is now on the run.
The suspects, who operate in military uniform, were subsequently arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of felony to wit, armed robbery.
The police prosecutor, C.N. Odii, told the court that the accused were arrested following a written petition by the management of Rocklet Global Services Limited, that on 20 November, 2012, some suspected armed robbers stole the company’s truck with a 40-feet container loaded with new tyres worth N12 million under the Kirikiri bridge along Oshodi/Apapa expressway.
In his confessional statement, Onwukwu allegedly told the police that he handed over the container to Obi, his master, who transported the contents on a boat to Cameroun to sell.
The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened sections 6(b) (a) and 5 of the robbery and firearms (Special Fire Arms) Act, cap R11 laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The plea of the accused was not taken because the lower court has no jurisdiction to try the matter.
The presiding magistrate, Mrs. F.O. Botoku, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, on the matter.
She adjourned the case till 20 March, 2013 for metion
—Paul Iyoghojie