the Kwara State Command of the Nigerian Police Force for allegedly
robbing people with a cutlass, becoming robbers was something they had
no power to resist.
The suspects, who claimed to be herdsmen
and farmers, however, were remorseful enough to warn other youths like
themselves to steer clear of robbery and other crimes.
Seventeen-year-old Harry said he was destined to be a robber as
according to him,
he could not resist the temptation.
He said, "It is destiny that made me to start
robbing people. The temptation just came
in a strong way. I just did it without knowing why I did it. I have
never killed anybody.
We normally rob with cutlasses and sticks. I regret my action now. I
will not do it again."
Yahaya on the other hand, expressed remorse for robbing people. He added that
he would never get involved in robbery if he
was pardoned and released.
Also paraded by the police was a robbery suspect, simply identified as
Ibira, 25. Like Harry and Yahaya, he said he did not know
what pushed him into the crime.
"I am a farmer and cattle rearer. I do not
know why I decided to pertake in robbery.
But believe me, I will never do it again."
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State
Command, Mr. Salihu Garba, said the arrests of the suspects were in
fulfilment of the command's promise to the people of the state to
reduce or possibly eradicate violent crimes in the state.
Garba, who spoke through the command's
Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi
Okesanmi, said Harry and Yahaya were arrested with a cutlass and face masks.
"One Hadiza Abubakar 'F' of Sabo Gada Village via Bode Saaadu reported
that on Monday, June 29, 2015 at about noon, she
was waylaid and robbed by a gang of armed
bandits. Investigation into the case led to the arrest of Harry and
Yahaya," Garba said.
He said the suspects would be arraigned
soon since they had confessed to the crime.
Also paraded by the police were some former prison inmates, who were
nabbed after carrying out robbery they planned while in incarceration.
The police commissioner said the house of
one Rhoda Adekeye 'F' at Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara State was invaded
by five armed men.
He said the suspected robbers tied the victims and robbed them at gun point.
Valuables including one Toyota Camry saloon car with registration
number Lagos FST 828 AW and mobile phones were taken away from the
victims.
According to him, investigations later led to
the arrest of Blessing Fayemi (19), Stephen
Bamidele (32), Samuel John (24), and Juma
Olasanmi (27).
Garba said an American Brony Pistol with
11 rounds of live ammunitions was recovered from the suspects, adding that
they had confessed to committing the crime.
He stated that investigation revealed that
the suspects were at one time inmates of
Madala Prisons where they allegedly perfected plans to carry out
series of robbery attacks when they regained their freedom.
He said the police had intensified efforts to recover the stolen vehicle.
Meanwhile, the police have also arrested four suspected members of the
Alora cult
group.
The suspects – Oladayo Yusuf (22), Kelvin
Orji (24), OgunnikeAdeola, (27), and Oludia
Shogo (23) were arrested for armed robbery
and unlawful possession of firearm.
He added that the police recovered one
Ghana manufactured triple barrel pistol;
five live cartridges and one 0.9mm live ammunition from the suspects.
Garba said, "At about 10am on Wednesday,
July 1, 2015 the above named suspects were arrested at Sango area of
Ilorin, with the above listed exhibits.
"On interrogation, they admitted being members of Alora cult group preparing for
an operation when they were arrested.
They confessed that they came from Lagos. It is pertinent to note that
lately, vehicles have
been snatched at gunpoint and were traced
to Lagos.
"Investigation is ongoing to recover some of
the vehicles they have stolen."
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