Mr Nnamdi (surname withheld by request), a famous trader in Alaba International market has been arrested for leading a robbery gang that terrorised several Lagosians and citizens of Mali, Port Novo and Benin republic.
As at the time of this report, Nnamdi and 6 other suspects are being questioned at SARS office in Ikeja Lagos. The suspects who were paraded on Thursday by Lagos CP, Aderanti Kayode narrated how they deceived many clients with fake business deals.
Read Nnamdi’s confession below:
“I am a businessman in Alaba International Market. I deal in musical equipment. The same thing is applicable to my members.They have businesses in the market. Some sell generator parts or sets, others sell one thing or the other to decieve people that we are doing genuine businesses.
“I got N28 million in one robbery operaton. There is really big money in armed robbery because what business can one do to make N28 million in one day? We robbed a man coming in from Cotonou.It was our informant that told us that the man was coming into the country. It was the most successful robbery operation that I ever participated in. I got N28 million, others got between N25 million and N28 million, depending on their roles. I am the gang leader. The second robbery was in Cotonou, we raided a bank.
We got big money also, but I can’t say how much but, I got N17 million and my boys got about N5 million each. Robbery in Cotonou is easier than in Nigeria.
In Cotonou, you don’t even need a gun to operate. We got it easy in Cotonou robbery. But in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, you need to be very careful.
“Well, I built a very magnificient building in my village. I have another one in Lagos. I bought some cars, but I am regretting everything now. I am going to face big shame both in the market and in my village because people see me as a big guy. What of my church? I am finished, I am a Catholic and an active church member who belongs to many societies, my church members will now see me as an evil person. I am exposed to ridicule. Well, most people in Alaba International Market, and other markets are into armed robbery or other illegal businesses.
“Like Victor (surname also withheld), he is my gang member and he sells generator sets. He is equally seen in the market as a big man. The other person, Ifeanacho (aka Messiah) is not in Alaba Market, but when he got big money, he invested in trucks. He also bought some taxis and commercial buses. He really utilized his money very well, but all is now vanity.
“My advice to people is that they should not envy people they see in affluence as they may have acquired their wealth through illegal means, especially armed robbery. Moreso, the money you got through armed robbery brings apprehension as you live in perpetual fear. Now, I have been living in fear and the thing I was fearing all this while has finally happened to me.I have been arrested and I don’t know my fate yet,”.
Nnamdi own a mega mansion in Igando area of Lagos. He led major robberies in Ikorodu, Shagamu, Kano, Port Novo, Mali and Benin republic.
His biggest operation was carried out in Alakija area of Lagos and it fetched him and his gang members a whopping 100 million Naira.