21st March, 2012
The police in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, have arrested two motorcycle robbery suspects, Chiegene Emmanuel, 24, and Ugochi Kingsley, 19, who allegedly specialised in terrorizing and robbing innocent travellers around Idiroko border, Oja Odan, Ogun State and in traffic in Lagos State.
They were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court, Lagos on a two-count charge of unlawful possession of firearms and robbery.
Police investigation revealed that the accused persons were arrested when they ran into an ambush laid by the Federal Special Ant-Robbery Squad, FSARS operatives after several days of manhunt following complaints by victims of their attacks at Idiroko border and Oja Odan village in Ogun State.
During interrogation, the duo allegedly confessed that they are robbery suspects operating on a motorcycle around Ogun and Lagos states and that they have been involved in the crime for over one year.
They reportedly led police detectives to a local hotel at Oja Odan which they used as their hide out, where a double barrel short gun cut to size, catridges and other dangerous weapons were recovered.
In his confessional statement to the police, Ugochi Kingsley, 19, said: ”we specialise in mounting road block at about 3 a.m with logs of wood at Oja Odan and Idiroko border to rob travellers and motorists.
”We also robbed motorists inside traffic in Lagos around Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Mile 2, Oshodi and Badagry Expressway. We usually abandon our motorcycle after operating to avoid being trailed and caught by the police.”
After investigation, they were charged to court for unlawful possession of firearms, which according to the prosecutor, DSP Odion Akhaine contravened Sections 516 Cap 38, 27 (a) (b) of the Fire Arms Act Cap F 28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Part of the court charge reads, ”that you, Chiegene Emmanuel and Ugochi Kingsley on 24 February, 2012 at Lagos Magisterial District did unlawfully have in your possession, one locally- made double barrel short gun.”
The prosecutor objected to the bail of the accused persons on the ground that the court has no jurisdiction to try the case.
Akhaine presented before the court an application for the remand of the accused persons in prison, pending the receipt of legal advice from the office of the Federal Director of Public Prosecution to try the matter at the high court.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. A.A. Adefulire ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody pending FDPP’s advice.
He adjourned the matter till 16 April 2012 for mention.
—Paul Iyoghojie