A 24-year-old man, Phillip Toihile, member of a three-man robbery gang, was arrested weekend by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of Lagos State Command.
Toihile, alongside his two accomplices, Salifu Abbey, 26 and Idris Sulyman, 28, were apprehended in Ijora by the operatives at about 10p.m, while attempting to rob a taxi driver, Amori Fatai.
In his confession before newsmen at the Command, Toihile said he went into robbery to raise funds for his diabetes drugs.
According to him, he went into robbery to raise N17, 000 to procure his prescribed drugs.
“This entire thing is like a temptation. With my condition, I am not expected to be found in a situation like this. I was sick. I went to health centre. They said I am diabetic and that my sugar level was 475 milligram.
“The doctor prescribed some drugs worth about N17, 000. I was told at the health centre to go and get the drugs and come back for further test.
“I invited my friend, Abbey, explained my situation and he agreed to assist me to raise the funds. I got the gun we used from Yaba Railway yard.
“The gun was wrapped with a polythene bag by cart pushers. I picked it with two live cartridges and we mapped out our plans,” the ex-convict, who was released from Kirikiri prison in July 2014, said.
On his part, Abbey who distanced himself from the crime, said, “Although the gun was found on me, it was given to me by Toihile. He begged me to help him conceal the gun. Because he was looking frail and emaciated, if he had a gun on him, people would spot it.
“Besides, what I was putting on was a jeans and overall jacket. I felt it was easier for me to hide the gun.
“He told me he was returning the gun to the owner in Ijora, while he was on his way to his girlfriend’s house,” Abbey added.
The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, confirming the arrests, said investigations were ongoing.
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