Police arrest nine over alleged armed robbery, murder

The Niger State Police Command has apprehended nine individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery, murder, and the illicit trade of stolen motorcycles within Suleja and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The arrests were a result of a swift response to a distress call early on June 10.

Police operatives were dispatched to the Rafin-Chinaka area following reports of a victim being robbed of a motorcycle. During a pursuit of suspects attempting to flee, one individual, identified as Bitrus James, was arrested. Subsequent investigations expanded the operation, leading to the capture of eight more suspects allegedly linked to the same criminal syndicate.

Preliminary findings suggest that some of the arrested individuals are part of an armed robbery network active in Suleja and nearby communities. Two suspects, Bitrus James and Aminu Ibrahim, reportedly confessed to their role in the fatal stabbing of a motorcyclist, Alhaji Monsa, on May 31. The victim was allegedly attacked, killed, and dispossessed of his motorcycle and personal belongings.

Further allegations include Musa Lawal acting as a receiver for stolen motorcycles and arranging their transport to buyers in various states. He is also accused of attempting to bribe a police officer to halt the investigation. Other suspects face accusations of facilitating the storage of firearms and providing personal information for criminal financial activities.

Recovered exhibits include firearms, an axe, a jackknife, ammunition, a laptop, the victim's bag, motorcycle parts, mobile phones, and ATM cards. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and potential prosecution. In a separate incident, four other suspects were arrested in Minna for attempted motorcycle theft.

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The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a crime bulletin issued on Wednesday in Minna.