Polytechnic Graduate Reveals He Went into Robbery to ‘Prepare’ for His Baby’s Arrival

A 22 year old graduate of Kwara Polytechnic, who was arrested during a robbery operation at a Lotto company in Ajagbadi area of Lagos, yesterday burst into tears after he was told that his pregnant wife has put to bed.

The suspect, Saidi Ayemojuba confessed that he joined a robbery gang due to frustration.

He stated that he went for the operation at lotto company with the hope of using its proceed to prepare for his baby’s arrival, after which he would quit robbery.

He narrated that he started his robbery journey with a gang which specialised in attacking passengers who were leaving early for their respective places of work, four years ago.

Narrating his gang’s modus oparandi, Ayemojuba whose operational name is Aleeba, meaning I can’t be caught in Yoruba dialect, said at times, members of his gang would mount a motorbike , only to snatch it from its rider, half away into the journey .

Then the motorbike would be sold at give away price to ready buyers with the proceeds shared among those that partook in the operation.

At other times, he said that members of the gang would position themselves at Cassidy bus-stop along Mile 2/Badagry expressway as early as 4.30am, pretending to be passengers.

They would board a commercial bus, only to order the driver to stop half way , where innocent passengers would be dispossessed of their valuables.

Journey to prison

However, he was caught during one of the operations at Iyana Sashi about three years ago, after his gang members attempted to snatch a woman’s bag.

Ayemojuba was arrested and charged to court , from where he was sent to prison.

Vanguard reports that he served his time in prison after which he joined another robbery gang whose leader he met in prison.

According to Ayemojuba

“ I decided to quit robbery when I came back from prison. But I could not find any good job even with my certificate.

One day, I got a call from an inmate I met while in prison.

He told me there was a job he would like me to execute. I met with other members of the gang . One of the members of a worker at a Lotto company at Ajagbadi, who told us that they usually left money. We stormed the place at about 1pm . I stood at a vantage position, where I was given a bag containing the money. But one of the ladies in the company ran out and raised the alarm which led to my arrest.

Others managed to escaped. I was beaten until I passed out, only to find myself at the police station. One regret I have is not to have welcomed my new baby to the world. I don’t know what they would tell her. I thought of using the lotto money to prepare for her arrival, after which I intended to quit robbery finally.

I am naturally not a bad boy because anytime I came back from operation, a gush of guilt will overwhelm me. I went into this out of frustration. No job, even after having my HND”

The suspect who was paraded alongside other suspects at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja.

Lagos state command’s boss, Fatai Owoseni said that the suspects would be charged to court, warning criminals to leave Lagos state or have same fate befall them.