CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Two suspected armed robbers have been arrested and charged before a Lagos court for armed robbery and being in possession of stolen Nigerian Army Beretta pistol believed to have been stolen from the barracks.

The incident happened at Uraka in Epe area of Lagos where they went for robbery operation with the pistol with serial number, NAFPO 218 belonging to the Nigeria Armed Forces.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the suspects got into trouble when they went to the area and robbed one Alukama Vine of N350,000 at gun point. The victim reportedly surrendered the money and they escaped. It was while they were escaping that they were apprehended by police detectives who found them with the gun.

The suspects initially pretended to be military officers but when further investigation was carried out, they confessed that they were not military officers. P.M.EXPRESS learnt that during interrogation that they were asked how they managed to get the military pistol which they used during the operation but they were not able to give satisfactory answer.

They were charged before Ikeja Magistrates court for robbery and illegal possession of Nigerian Armed Forces pistol. Their plea was not taken because it was a serious robbery matter which involved firearm.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. B.O. Osunsanmi ordered them to be remanded in prison custody without an option of bail. The court also directed the prosecutor to send the file to the DPP for advice. The matter was adjourned till 7th November, 2017 awaiting the report of DPP advice.