Why I Started Robbery And Joined A Cult Group ─ Suspect

Robbery suspects

Officials of Lagos state police command have arrested five suspected members of a robbery gang which unleashed terror on residents of Ijanikin area on May 24, Sunday.

The Punch reports that the gang, which consists of about 40 members, allegedly robbed residents and commuters in Ketu, Iyana Era, Alasia, Morogbo areas.

One of the suspects, 25-year-old Ajayi Solomon, confessed that he joined the gang because his parents had died and he had to take care of his siblings. Apart from Solomon, the police also arrested Momodu Williams, 19, Kazeem Ganiyu, 19, Seun Ariyo, 20, and Elijah Dada, 19.

On the fatal night the robbers reportedly stormed Palace Road and Amosugboro streets in the Ijanikin area and took away money and valuables. However, the anti-robbery squad from the Ijanikin police division, which received a distress call, arrived at the accident site and arrested five of the criminals.

During the investigation, Solomon revealed that the gang had planned the robbery while they drank and smoked at the Egun festival.

“It was at the Egun festival in the Oto Awori area that we planned the operation. We drank and smoke hemp during the festival. At about 8pm, we left for the Ijanikin area. We were about 40 persons. We robbed till dawn.

“Some of the gang members entered shops, restaurants, and stores to loot property. But in the process, I was arrested by the police. It was about three weeks ago that I returned from prison. I started robbery two years ago.

“I had no option because my parents are late and I am the first child. In 2010, I also joined a cult group in the area. I belong to the Eiye Confraternity. As a result of the death of my parents, I dropped out of school in Senior Secondary School Class 2. I tried to learn welding, but it was not successful. Then, I joined the robbery gang. I am not the leader of the gang; the name of the gang leader is simply Dollar,” the robber said.

Earlier this week, Kayode Aderanti, the Lagos state commissioner of police, announced about the establishment of the Crack Squad, the investigative and intelligent unit of the Lagos state police command.

According to the comissioner, it would help to rid the state of hardened criminals who have the backings of well-placed individuals in the society.