I Invited My Friends To Burgle My Master’s House —Suspect Confesses

A domestic servant, Chukwuemeka Igbonugo, 21, has allegedly confessed to the police that he invited some of his friends to assist in burgling his master’s house. They reportedly stole $38,500 and other valuables.

The suspects were arrested after Igbonugo’s employer, Chief Emmanuel Ibenwelu, lodged a complaint with the police that his house was burgled.

Operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, Adeniji-Adele Road, Lagos Island moved into the promises and arrested Igbonugo, his alleged accomplice, Chibube Okeke, 23, and the alleged receiver of the stolen dollars, Thompson Emeoubowan, 34.

Ibenwelu informed the police that when he left the house, Igbonugo, his househelp was inside and when he returned, he discovered that his private room had been burgled it and his US $38,500, 26 pieces if China Yen, four Nokia handsets, clothing and pairs of shoes worth millions of naira were stolen and that he suspected his househelp.

Following the report, police arrested Igbonugo and during interrogation, he allegedly confessed to committing the crime.

Chukwuemeka reportedly confessed, “I invited Chidube Okeke to come and assist me in burgling my employer’s private room to steal his money.

“We stole USD38,500, 26 pieces of China yen, shoes, four handsets and assorted clothing. We gave the currencies to Thompson Emeoubowan to help us change it. The money was shared and we spent it. We sold the handsets, shoes and clothing and also shared the proceeds.

“My employer was treating me very well, but I don’t know what tempted me to plan evil against my boss. I beg God for forgiveness,” he allegedly told the police.

The three suspects were charged to an Igbosere magistrate’s court on Lagos Island for house breaking, stealing and receiving stolen properties.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, Emby Igonbo, contravened Sections 409, 308, 285(9) and 326 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The charge reads: “That you Chukwuemeka Igbonugo, Chibube Okeke on 20 October, 2011 at Plot 3, New Site Estate, Satellite Town in the Lagos Magisterial District, conspired to break and enter the dwelling house of Chief Emmanuel Ibenwelu to steal USD38,500, 26 pieces of China yen, four Nokia handsets, different articles of clothing and pairs of shoes worth millions of naira, while Thompson Emeoubowan and others at large on 21 October, 2011 in the aforementioned magisterial district received foreign currencies from Chukwuemeka and Chidube Okeke knowing same to have been stolen.”

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. B. A. Sonuga admitted them to bail in the sum of N2 million each with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the matter till 12 March, 2012 for mention.

The accused persons have been remanded at Ikoyi Prison when they could not fulfil the bail condition in good time.

—Paul Iyoghojie