There was chaos on Sunday on Moore Road, in the Yaba area of Lagos State, after suspected armed robbers attacked a student hostel, Dean’s Court, and carted away some property.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the three-man gang came in a red Toyota Sienna, with number plate, KJA 966 DY.
They had reportedly trailed a female student, identified only as Cynthia, who had recently returned from Malaysia.
It was gathered that the robbers came to the area based on the information that Cynthia came back from Malaysia with foreign currency.
Our correspondent was told that after leaving Cynthia, the robbers used the opportunity to rob students in the hostel.
It was learnt that the gunmen were about leaving the premises when a security guard at the gate challenged them.
He was said to have been stabbed in the chest and had been admitted at a hospital.
While two of the robbers escaped, the third suspect, identified as 36-year-old Olawale Adesola, was arrested by policemen from the Sabo Police Division.
A witness, John Aremu, said the incident happened around 6am, adding that a locally-made gun was recovered from the suspect.
He said, “They were three men and they came in a red Toyota Sienna. They attacked Dean’s Court, a hostel used by students of tertiary institutions in the neighbourhood. The robbers raided their rooms, stealing laptops, phones and money.
“They were leaving the place when the security man challenged them and there was a struggle. I think they didn’t want to create a scene, because they didn’t shoot.
“They stabbed him in the chest with a knife and the man raised the alarm. Two of the robbers fled, but the guard held the third suspect and ensured that he didn’t escape until a mob gathered and beat him up. The police patrol team also arrived on time and arrested the suspect.”
The resident said the suspect, in his confessional statement to the police, said the gang was on the trail of the student because she had recently returned from Malaysia.
“He said the girl’s name was Cynthia and she had just arrived from Malaysia after a successful deal. He claimed that the said Cynthia did not make the necessary settlements and that was why they were asked to rob her.
“He added that their operational vehicle belonged to his wife, who is a businesswoman. He said they all came from the Ota area of Ogun State,” Aremu added.
Our correspondent was told that an identity card recovered from the suspect indicated that he was an executive member of the National Association of Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect was in police custody.
She said, “About 7.30am, our operatives received a distress call that some armed robbers were operating on Moore Road, Yaba. A team of anti-crime patrol attached to the Sabo division proceeded to the scene. Some occupants of the place were robbed of their laptops, phones and money.
“One of the suspects was arrested with a locally-made double-barrelled gun and a knife, while some exhibits were recovered, including an ID card. The security man on duty was stabbed in the chest and was rushed to a hospital where he is receiving treatment.”
PUNCH
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