Police Nab Armed Robbery Kingpin Behind Allen Avenue Gold Heist
- Lagos police arrest notorious ex-convict John Samuel after tracking him to an Epe hideout following the Allen Avenue gold robbery
- CCTV captures Samuel shooting a businessman before stealing a gold necklace worth millions during a daylight attack in Ikeja
- Suspect admits selling the stolen jewellery for ₦4 million as police hunt accomplices and vow swift prosecution
The Lagos State Police Command has captured a notorious armed robbery suspect linked to a string of violent crimes, including the daylight attack and gold jewelry robbery on Allen Avenue, Ikeja.
The arrest followed weeks of surveillance and precise tracking by operatives of the command.
Source: Original
Lagos police capture gold robbery suspect
According to police authorities, 28-year-old John Samuel, an ex-convict from Akwa Ibom State, was arrested on September 19 at his hideout in Epe.
Samuel had only recently regained freedom after serving a six-year sentence for armed robbery but returned to crime soon after his release.
Investigators described him as a hardened criminal known for shooting his victims before stealing their valuables.
Police reports revealed that on August 18, Samuel ambushed businessman Gbenga Obama on Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue.
Armed with an English pistol, he fired at the victim before snatching an expensive gold necklace and other valuables while an accomplice waited on a motorcycle for a quick escape.
CCTV evidence aids arrest of armed robber
CCTV footage from the scene captured the attack, which left the victim with serious gunshot wounds. Obama has since been treated and discharged from the hospital.
Source: Facebook
During interrogation, Samuel admitted to selling the stolen jewelry for about four million naira, a fraction of its actual worth.
Police said efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplices and recover the remaining stolen items.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohudare Jimoh, commended the operatives for what he described as a swift and professional operation.
He assured residents that the command will continue to pursue every lead to dismantle the gang and ensure those involved face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, who issued the statement on behalf of the Commissioner, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos.
He warned criminal elements that the state remains unsafe for anyone seeking to perpetrate violence or disrupt public peace.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that can aid ongoing investigations.
Fake “Obi of Lagos” confesses to fraud
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lagos State Police Command had provided fresh details on the arrest of a man who falsely presented himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and attempted to stage an elaborate installation ceremony.
The suspect, 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, was picked up along with three alleged accomplices after police uncovered plans to unveil a prototype of a fictitious ₦1.5 billion “Obi of Lagos Palace” at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin on September 13.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi said in a statement on Thursday that preliminary investigation showed Azubike acted without any endorsement from legitimate traditional authorities.
Source: Legit.ng
