Armed Robbers In Police Uniforms Busted With 15 Different Vehicles

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Police detectives have busted members of a syndicate, who wear Police uniforms to snatch vehicles at gun point and take to their hideout in Abaranje area of Ikotun, Lagos, where they break the vehicles within minutes and sell them as spare parts to dealers.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that so far they had stolen about 15 different brand of vehicles and taken to their hideout located at Akinshina Street, Abaranje, Ikotun, where the landlords were said to have given them space to commit their nefarious activities over a period.

The suspects, Chumwuemeka Nnaji, 37, Chibuzor Ngwu, 33, Paul Kanebi, 56 and the landlord, Daniel Okereke, 49, have been arrested while others were said to be at large.

The suspects were nabbed after they reportedly wore Police uniforms and snatched one Toyota Space Wagon with registration number, LND 444 FW  containing goods inside it worth about N6m at gun point belonging to one Mayeyin Taiwo and took it to their hideout.

However, the information leaked; the vehicle was traced to their hideout and recovered with the suspects arrested and taken to the Police Command for more investigation.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and told the Police they were armed robbers, who specialized in snatching vehicles with fake Police uniforms and so far have snatched 15 vehicles and broken them into spare parts for resale to dealers.

They have been charged before the Ebute Metta Magistrates Court for conspiracy, armed robbery, stealing, impersonation, malicious damage and receiving stolen property.

The Court did not take their plea after the prosecutor, Adegbie Tope, asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for advice.

The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Oshoniyi, ordered their remand in Correctional Centre pending when the DPP’s report will be ready while investigation is ongoing to arrest the remaining defendants now at large.