Woman, 6 others arrested for attempted robbery

A 35-year-old woman, said to be the self-styled leader of a seven-man gang, has been arrested by operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspect, Chioma Ezekwe, who claimed to have studied law at the University of Lagos, was arrested during a foiled attempt to rob a hotel in Ijaiye area of Lagos on Monday.

Chioma, popularly called Chao, and suspected members of her gang, reportedly trailed a businessman who lodged at the hotel. The man was said to be carrying over N8 million which he intended to use in a business transaction with a man at the hotel.

Trouble came for the suspects when a worker of the hotel, who suspected their moves tipped off the police, which arrested them.

Police sources said: “When we received the call, we rushed there and subjected everyone to a search. In the process, we recovered two guns and twelve live ammunition from Chioma’s car. This led to the arrest of other members of her gang who had positioned themselves strategically to strike. They include: Michael Madu, 52; Okechukwu Jerome, 28; Amadi Igwe, 41; Raymond Chukwuka, 24, and Ignatius Okeredi, 27. One of them is on the run.”

Chioma allegedly confessed to have made arrangement for the weapons but said the bone of contention was a disputed land.

“We were not there to operate as robbers, but to settle a score over a land. I am a graduate of law. I was called to Bar in 2000 and I currently run a non-governmental organisation. Therefore, I cannot condescend so low to being a robber,” she said, refusing to speak any further.

The suspects were yesterday charged to court on a three-count charge of robbery, conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Nation