The
Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in Lagos has neutralized a seven-man
robbery gang and its female leader. The suspects were seized while
attempting to rob Bolatito Hotel, Kola Bus Stop, Ijaiye, Lagos.
The
alleged gang leader, identified as Chioma Ezekwesiri, said she arranged
for the guns with Raymond Chukwuka, a.k.a. Stubborn, they were to use
for the operation, which she claimed was a land matter.
However,
the police said that the group was preparing to rob a vivid
businessman, who sells fertilizer, of about N8 million during his stay
at the hotel.
The
police also revealed the names of other suspects. They are: Amadi Igwe,
41, Raymond Chukwuka, 24, Ignatius Okeredi, 27, Michael Madu, 52, and
Okechukwu Jerome, 28, and a yet-to-be identified member who is at large.
The
alleged armed robbery was thwarted by some staff of the hotel, who
quickly contacted SARS operatives when noticed suspicious men gathering
near the hotel.
The
law enforcement agents were said to have surrounded the hotel, and
later searched all its occupants. It was in the process that two locally
made guns and 12 live ammunition were recovered from the robbery
suspects.
35-year-old
mastermind of the robbery, Chioma claimed that she graduated from
UNILAG in 1999, was called to the bar in 2000, and owns a
Non-Governmental Organisation, Youth of All Nations Empowerment
Association. But authorities of the University of Lagos said she did not
graduate from that institution. Chioma’s claim of being called to the
Bar was also debunked by Barrister Tunji Busari of Cognate Solicitors.
Mr. J.E. Joshua, the chairman of Youth of All Nations Empowerment
Association, he denied that Chioma is the founder of the association.
The
gang remanded in court, where they are facing a three count charge of
robbery, conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.
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