Robbery Suspect says He robbed to raise N45,000 surgery bill

A suspected armed robber arrested by security operatives attached to Ndiegoro Police Division in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, has said that the quest for money to pay his medical bill led him into armed robbery.

The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Chukwundukwe, and other members of his gang allegedly robbed a betting shop (BET9JA) at No. 21, Ogechi Street, Aba on several occasions.

The 32-year-old Chukwundukwe together with one Joseph Umah, (23) and one Chijoke Godwin reportedly stole a laptop computer from the shop and sold it to one Ifeanyi Okocha at the cost of N15,000.

It was learnt that the gang, which had been robbing shops in the area, had robbed the betting shop over three times and based on the advice by the police, the shop owner put in place security measures.

The security measures, it was gathered, led to the arrest of the suspects.

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeleye Oyabade, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said Umah and Chukwundukwe, were also suspected to be members of a gang that attacked and killed two policemen at the Ogbor Hill area of Aba.

Oyabade advised members of the public to take proactive measures to protect their properties and business premises by fixing security devices.

He said the police had launched a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang, while those arrested would soon be arraigned.

Speaking with Southern City News, Chukwundukwe confessed to stealing the laptop and selling it to raise money for a surgical operation.

He said, “I have something that looks like a boil on my stomach. When I went to the hospital for treatment, the doctor said I needed to be operated upon; that is why I went to steal in order to raise the N45,000 to pay for the surgery.”

The owner of the shop, who spoke on condition of anonymity, commended the police for arresting the hoodlums.

[Punch]