A soldier, who also doubles as a commercial bus driver has foiled an attempt by a three-man robbery gang on its way for an operation in Ajah area of Lagos.
The suspects, who are currently cooling their heels at the Special Anti Robbery Squad reportedly boarded the bus at NEPA bus-stop and were heading to the designated area of operation when the driver of the bus later discovered to be a soldier, suspected their move and divertedthe vehicle to Ajah police station.
However, before arriving the station, one ofthe suspects reportedly fled while the rest identified as Solomon and Saleh were heldby policemen.
On searching them, a bag containing three guns and ammunition was found on them.
Also recovered from the suspects were military uniform which they allegedly usually wore during operations.Twenty-one years old Solomon, who hails from Edo State, said in his confessional statement that he belonged to a cult group.
According to him: “Saleh introduced me to the gang, while Sunday, who escaped, lured me into cultism.
At first I declined to join but he threatened to kill me. Members of our confraternity are robbers of different gangs.
On the day we were arrested, Saleh informed me that we were going for an operation that night and that a third person will bring guns for us to use.
Sunday later came with a bag containing the guns and ammunition.
“As we stepped out, we boarded a vehicle and unknown to us, the driver is a soldier.
I believe he must have seen the guns we were carrying. Before we knew it, he drove straight to Ajah police station shouting on top of his voice that we were robbers. Sunday managed to escape through the window but I could not because I was afraid I could be shot.
”His alleged partner in crime, Saleh said he joined the robbery gang to earn a living. The secondary school drop out, said he left Army Secondary School, Zaria years back in search of greener pasture in Lagos.
“Unfortunately, when I got to Lagos, it was a different ball game . I was forced into robbery by Osas. I actually joined because I was dying of hunger and had no hope of living. I thought of quitting when I make the required amount. We usually wear military uniform when operating.”
