Femi Ashekun/
Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) have arrested Nigerian-born Charles Chukwuma Onwuemelie for allegedly orchestrating 68 armed robberies.
Dubbed the ‘Blue cloth Bandit,’ his arrest came about three months after he held a talk-of-the-town wedding party with his Sunday school teacher. The lavish ceremony became a social media sensation.
A statement by the Los Angeles Police Department dated September 28 reads, “Since October of 2021, there have been a total of 68-armed business robberies attributed by investigators to the same suspect. The robberies have occurred throughout Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Investigators from RHD were assigned to investigate the 16 robberies that occurred inside City boundaries.
“During their investigation, RHD detectives discovered that the suspect commonly used a blue cloth to cover the handgun used in the robberies that occurred at gas stations, 7-11s, and Walmarts. The suspect would conceal himself by wearing different hats, a face mask, and rubber gloves. The same vehicle was used in many of the robberies, and the same suspect was linked to the robberies based on several factors.
“When the suspect struck again on Friday, September 23rd, detectives formulated a plan, initiated surveillance, and ultimately served a search and arrest warrant. Charles Chukwuma Onwuemelie, a 29-year-old resident of Quartz Hill was arrested at his residence. The evidence further linking him to the robberies was also recovered at the scene, including a firearm.
“On September 27, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed 16 counts of 211 P.C. – Robbery, for the robberies that occurred in the City of Los Angeles. It is anticipated that additional charges will be filed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department related to the robberies that occurred within LA County borders. It is believed that the suspect may be wanted for additional armed robberies in the area.
See CCTV footage of one of his alleged robbery escapades: