Re-arrest 5 inmates who escaped from Edo prisons
By Wale Ishola
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested 35 suspects comprising 34 males and one female for their alleged involvement and indictment in cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and other heinous crimes in some parts of the country.
Also arrested are five inmates who escaped from lawful custody from the correctional centre in Benin, Edo Staye, during the ENDSARS protests.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, exhibits recovered from the suspects include: eight AK-49 rifles,one Beretta Pistol with six rounds of live ammunition, three locally-made pistols, 111 rounds of AK-47 ammunition,10 AK-47 magazine, five live cartridges, seven laptop computers, one anti-tracking device, one camouflage vest, eight stolen but recovered vehicles, one stolen but recovered trailer truck (Mercedes Actros with registration n umber NNK 334 YT).
Mba said: “Notable among the cases is the re-arrest of five inmates who escaped from lawful custody at the Oko Correctional Centre, Benin City during the ENDSARS protests.
“The suspects, Onaruje Benjamin, who had earlier been convicted for conspiracy and armed robbery and was on death-row at the time of escape; Adebayo Opeyemi, a dismissed soldier; Peter Felix Osas, Frank Odion Oloye and Alhaji Hudu Musa a.k.a Mai Cellular, were arrested by operatives of the FIB – Intelligence Response Team in Kaduna State for the offences of armed robbery, car theft and unlawful possession of firearms.
“Investigations reveal the suspects, having escaped from the Correctional Centre, formed a new criminal gang and returned to their old criminal enterprise.
“Also arrested is one female suspect, Talatu Ibrahim (40) from whom six AK-49 rifles were recovered. Her arrest led to the subsequent arrest of one Duleji Alhaji Abubakar a.k.a Ori jeje residing at Ekka village, Koro LGA, Kwara State.
“Findings reveal that Ori Jeje has been getting arms supply from Talatu Ibrahim to carry out series of kidnapping and armed robbery in Kwara State.
“The operatives also arrested one Abdullahi Mohammed a.k.a ‘Governmenti’, a specialist in car snatching. Investigation reveals that the suspect, within 90-days (August, September, and October, 2020) snatched 18 vehicles at gun-point from their owners in Jos and Bauchi States.
“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has reassured citizens of the renewed commitment of the Force to their safety and security. All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigations.”
