Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The Delta State Police Command has arrested an 80-year-old armed robbery kingpin whose gang was alleged to be terrorising Warri, Ughelli, Uvwie and Udu areas of the state.
The suspected kingpin was arrested in company with another gang member during a raid by the police. The police recovered a catche of arms and ammunition from the suspects.
However, Ben, 80, who hails from Ekusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, told the police that he was not the leader but the gang’s amourer.
According to the command’s spokesman, ASP Chuks Orisewezie, the octogenarian suspect confessed to the crime, while admitting being in charge of servicing of the gang’s arms and also supplying them ammunition.
“The armourer (suspect) said he does not manufacture guns but repairs, buys and sells arms and ammunition,” Orisewezie said, disclosing that the other suspect, one Patrick, 32, was tracked down through one of the Nokia phones stolen from a victim.
He said the suspect hailed from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, adding that, through discreet investigation, he confessed to the crime as well as gave the names of other members of his gang.
“He admitted partaking in three armed robbery operations in Uvwie, Ughelli and Udu. He led the police to the gangs armory, where two pump-action guns, four double-barrel guns, one single-barrel gun, one air gun, 274 cartridges, two bullet-proofs and four bullet holders were recovered,” Orisewezie said.
Noting that operatives have intensified efforts toward tracking down other fleeing members of the gang, the command’s spokesman said the police, by the feat, have issued a warning “to all criminals in the command that there is no safe haven for them, as no stone will be left unturned to ensure that all criminals in any guise are brought to book.”
He vowed that all available security apparatus would be employed to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminality, and assured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to their safety and security.