By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Police in Benin have arrested a 54-year-old woman popularly known as ‘Area Mama’ with four other armed robbery suspects in connection with the robbery of two Reverend Fathers.
The woman, Hannah Ibadin with four other male suspects were alleged to have robbed their victims (names withheld) both of Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, Benin City Edo State of Nigeria.
The gang allegedly robbed the clergymen of their vehicle, a Toyota Highlander SUV marked AP-975-CU, telephone sets and cash.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, DanMallam Mohammed paraded the five suspects before journalists on Friday, September 20, 2019.
CP DanMallam Mohammed said they were apprehended on September 16, 2019, as one Nokia 2.4 android phone was recovered from them.
He gave the names of other members of the gang as Jackson Ayanru, Efosa Oviarobo, 22, Miracle Okon, 21, and Osasumwen Onaiwu, 39.
Speaking with our reporter, ‘Area Mama’ denied involvement in the robbery but admitted selling a stolen phone given to her by Miracle Okon to her neighbor, Jackson Ayanru who is being detained as a criminal receiver.
Jackson Ayanru said he did not know that the phone was stolen as ‘Area Mama’ told him it was sent from abroad, hence he paid her N12, 000.00 cash for the phone.
Miracle Okon who claimed to be a nomadic iron picker confessed to have in connivance with his friend now at large, at gunpoint snatched the Toyota Highlander containing the phone, cash and other variables from the Rev. Father where he packed at a spot in Oliha quarters, Benin City.
He stated further that they sold the Toyota Highlander SUV for N400, 000.00 to a yet to be arrested buyer.
On their roles, Osasumwen Onaiwu and Efosa Oviarobo said they were not arrested for stealing but armed robbery and conspiracy. They admitted to have contacted the buyer on phone. CP DanMallam Mohammed said the suspects would be arraigned soon.
