14th December, 2012
Nine suspected armed robbers arrested by the Nigerian police made a shocking revelation yesterday when they confessed that their gang killed about 42 policemen in both Lagos and Ogun states during their operations.
The suspects were arrested by detectives from the State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos Command after a manhunt for two months.
The suspects were scheduled to be paraded before newsmen today.
The suspects, according to police, were arrested at their hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states after a tip off.
The police identified the arrested suspects as Ejike Mbogu, 23; Alhaji Taofeek Mumuni, 48; Olugbenga Oni, 27; Ogbonna Ekeweje, 22; Paul Ofule, Qudus Adetoro, Seyi Odola, 33; Abbey Potter and an unidentified suspect.
One of the suspects, Mbogu, revealed that though they are divided into different gangs, they always collaborate to carry out major robbery operations such as robbery operations in the banks.
He confirmed that they carried out several robbery operations in Lagos and Ogun states and their targets were mainly banks, markets, filling stations and big organizations.
On how they were arrested, he said one of them was arrested and through his telephone, detectives were able to trace their whereabouts. “They arrested some of us while the others are still at large,” he added.
Another suspect, Seyi also revealed that just like business organizations, the gang has various departments like that of field commander, finance, surveillance, informants, armoury, drivers and others. He said all the departments are under one person called the leader. He also explained that there are other small gangs who can operate on their own and they have their leaders at that level.
He added that they always come together as a full gang when there is a serious operation involving big organizations such as banks where millions of naira are involved.
He explained further that the reason was to enable the gang have enough equipment and men for that operation. Seyi explained that they usually kill policemen and take their guns away. Through this, he said the gang has a number of guns and ammunition.
The police confirmed that guns and ammunition were recovered from the various hideouts of the suspects during their raids.
Some of the guns recovered include AK 47 rifle and 10 magazines, pistols, two boxes of ammunition, 1,500 live ammunition. Also recovered were a Toyota Highlander SUV with registration number KJA 402 AW, Honda Accord with registration number EKY416 AD and Toyota Carina with registration number UC 264 KJA.
In his own confessional statement to the police, another suspect, Mumuni, said they also specialised in snatching exotic vehicles at gunpoint from their owners.
He however denied killing their victims during such operations. “We normally sell the stolen vehicles depending on the grade, at a reduced price,” he disclosed.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe & Dedigbo Ayodeji