A 46-year-old truck driver, Obi Ebong, who was nabbed by the police in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, has claimed that he went into robbery to raise money for his sister’s burial ceremony.
The suspect and seven others were recently arrested by the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, for armed robbery and murder.
They allegedly carried out the attack in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos on May 28.
The other suspects arrested include: Aniete Akonnah, Promise Friday, Happiness Promise, Silas Effiong, Monday Udoh, Ifedinachukwu Iwuola and Sumaila Umar.
They were reportedly arrested by the Zonal Anti-Kidnapping Unit while they were about escaping from the area.
Ebong in his confessional statement disclosed that he was among the gang that robbed a warehouse on Ajao Estate, where they killed one of the security men.
The suspect, a native of Akwa Ibom State, said his role was to load the goods into his truck, adding that he was not aware that the gang members shot dead a security man during the operation.
He said, “It was one Owen and Sam who invited me for the robbery operation. They have both been arrested and they are in the Kirikiri prison. I was inside the truck throughout the operation.
“My role was to load the goods inside the truck. I have yet to be given any money from the operation. I was promised N100,000 after the robbery.
“I was planning to use the money for my sister’s burial. My elder sister died around that time, and I was looking for money for the burial. That was why I decided to go with the gang.”
On his part, Friday, 34 years old, also from Akwa Ibom State, said he had participated in two operations with the gang.
He said, “It was Owen who led the gang. I worked as a bricklayer and I was invited by a friend to the robbery. I was asked to bring my truck.
“I have participated in only two operations. I did not know the security man was killed. I am married with two kids. I live in the Ikotun area of Lagos State. My wife did not know I went to rob.”
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, said the suspected robbers would be charged to court at the end of investigations.
He said, “They have confessed to robbery and murder. They will be charged to court at the end of investigations.”
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