Police Arrest Armed Robbery Kingpin, Others, Recover Exhibits

The operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, have arrested the leader of an armed robbery gang Chukwuemeka Oputa A.K.A. Pounds and Dollar.

He is said to have been responsible for a series of armed robberies and other heinous crimes in the FCT.

A statement by FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh said the 38-year-old Oputa was arrested on April 4, 2024, at about 2:00 pm.

His arrest is consequent upon the apprehension of one Moses Hassan of Idda, Kogi State, a cultist and member of the armed robbery gang, on February 14, 2024.

An investigation subsequently led police operatives to the arrest of three other gang members, namely: Praise Etta, 30 years ‘old, of Etung, Cross River State; Rafael Dav A.K.A. Raffy, 28 years old, of Guma, Benue State; and Thomas Akange, 38 years ‘old, of Markudi, Benue State.

The suspects have since confessed to being involved in a series of armed robberies and other heinous crimes in FCT and are also members of a confraternity cult group called Vikings, according to the police.

Several exhibits such as four locally fabricated AK47 rifles, three locally made rifles using cartridges, an English pistol, one locally made pistol, a Dane gun, and three AK-47 ammunitions, a 5.56mm assault ammunition, and an empty cartridge, were recovered from the suspects.

While effort is in top gear to recover other exhibits in possession of the suspects, the Commissioner of Police FCT Benneth Igweh reiterated his steadfast commitment to making FCT inhabitable for criminals.

He also urged residents to be vigilant and to always take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities.