By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has disclosed that three suspected members of an interstate armed robbery syndicate allegedly purchased an AK-47 rifle for N700,000 through a contact currently serving a prison sentence.
Ohagwu made the disclosure on Monday while briefing journalists in Akure on the security situation in the state, saying the revelation emerged during the interrogation of the suspects arrested in a recent intelligence-led operation by the command.
The police boss, however, revealed that the claim was still being investigated, noting that detectives were following fresh leads to identify those involved in the illegal arms supply chain as well as other members of the robbery syndicate.
He gave names of the suspects as Promise Daniel, 34; Ifanyi Yemahi, 29; and Adaramoye Abayomi, 37, adding that they were arrested in connection with an armed robbery case initially reported at Iju Division, Itaogbolu, in Akure North Local Government Area.
According to him, operatives intercepted the suspects while they were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
The commissioner said a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, an English Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, a UTC axe and an iron cutter.
Ohagwu said preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a notorious interstate armed robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a series of violent robberies across Ondo and Lagos states.
He stated that the suspects made useful confessional statements, which had provided investigators with fresh intelligence on the ownership of the recovered weapons and the activities of the gang.
”According to the suspects, the weapon was purchased through someone who is already in prison. We are still investigating that claim.
“These criminals are very clever. The information available for now is that the weapon was allegedly purchased for about N700,000.
“We are carrying out a diligent investigation. Even the receiver of their loot has been mentioned, and we are following those leads. We are also looking for other members of the syndicate.
“This is an armed robbery case, but we cannot disclose all our intelligence because of the safety of those who provide us with information.”
Ohagwu further revealed that the suspects were apprehended just as they were allegedly preparing to embark on another robbery operation, following actionable intelligence received by the command.
He assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the case, stressing that all suspects found culpable would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations in line with the law.
He appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to the police, saying such cooperation remained crucial to preventing crime and bringing criminal elements to justice.
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