News

Ondo, Ekiti Bank Robbers Reveal How Loot was Shared after Killing 10 Policemen, Many Civilians

Yemi Akinsuyi/

Suspected members of a gang of bank robbers smashed by the police have told the story of the evil day when 10 officers and several civilians were mowed down with bullets in Ondo and Ekiti states.

Police authorities in Abuja paraded seven suspected members of the gang in connection with robberies at the UBA Branch in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, a microfinance bank in Idanre, Ondo State, and WEMA Bank in Ile-Oluji, also in Ondo.

Ten policemen and several civilians were killed during the robberies in 2019 and 2020.

The seven suspects, who were paraded along 25 others were identified as 42-year-old Ojo Tubosun (team leader), Ismaila Ojo, 25, Victor Owoyemi, 36, John Adeniyi, 42, Shola Oladimeji, 50; Olubajo Fatoye, 41, and Delete Ariyo, 44.

During the parade, in Abuja, police spokesperson, DCP Frank Mba, said the suspects were arrested by the IGP Special Tactical Squad (STS) led by the Commander, DCP Yusuf Kolo in their hideouts in Ondo, Ekiti, and Ogun states.

Mba said the suspects’ operations were highly organized and clinically executed.

Mba added, “These suspects are well organised. They each have assigned roles. Fatoye and Ariyo are Okada riders, who would station at advantaged position to watch for any security operatives around the place. Others would be right inside the bank operating.”

Tubosun Ojo confessed that he led others to rob the banks but denied killing the policemen in Ile-Oluji.

He said, “We are armed robbers, operating in the South West. We prefer banks. As the leader of the gang, I chose which bank to rob and the particular time. We have robbed banks across the region.

“During one of our operations in Ile-Oluji, after the initial surveillance of the area, two of our guys were outside, two held the people inside the bank down, while I personally packed the money we stole. But before I could come outside the bank, our guys have killed six policemen and other civilians. When I confronted them on the killings, one of them threatened to kill me and he shot at my leg.”

Asked how much he made from the bank robberies, Ojo said it varied, but he could remember that he made N1.1 million from Ile-Oluji.

He said: “God knows we have sinned already. We have sinned against God and humans. He knows why we were arrested. If not Him, we would not have been arrested. We have asked God for forgiveness and we know He will forgive us. We are praying that you all should forgive us.”

Recovered vehicle and arrested car snatcher

Some of the items recovered from the suspects included two pump action rifles, one AK-49, one AK-47, 19 locally made rifles, 129 live cartridges, 145 rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, and one Toyota Corolla car.

The police spokesperson, who called for more caution by members of the public, said that there could be no robbery without the collaboration of the people in the vicinity.

0
Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

Recent Posts

Are The Grammys Relevant Outside the United States?

Building Credibility For nearly eight decades, the Grammy Awards have stood as the pinnacle of…

13 hours ago

Disputed 5.3bn Shares: Court Adjourns Barbican/FBN Holdings Suit as Ecobank’s Recusal Motion Remains Pending

Justice Ayokunle Faji has adjourned further proceedings in the suit filed by Barbican Capital Limited…

2 days ago

Los Angeles Protects Undocumented Immigrants from Trump’s Deportation Plans with Sanctuary Ordinance

Segun Atanda/ The Los Angeles City Council has approved a sweeping "sanctuary city" ordinance designed…

2 days ago

Trump Could Face Prison After Second Term, Prosecutors Say

Segun Atanda/ New York prosecutors have opposed dismissing President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business…

2 days ago

MC Oluomo Flouts Court Order, Assumes Office as NURTW President

Femi Ashekun/ In a bold and controversial move, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, has defied a…

2 days ago

Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar … Dissolves Council

Matilda Omonaiye/ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,…

2 days ago