by Chinwe Okafor

Maybe for the most absurd reason or simply because he is driven by the pressure of society, but this robber has said, he has to do what he has to do because he is the first born and has responsibilities.

He is one of the five suspected members of a robbery gang that were arrested due to unleashed terror on residents of Ijanikin area on Sunday, May 24.

25-year-old Ajayi Solomon said he went into armed robbery because his parents were late and he needed to take care of his siblings.

Apart from Solomon, the other suspects arrested are Momodu Williams, 19, Kazeem Ganiyu, 19, Seun Ariyo, 20, and Elijah Dada,19.

According to reports by Punch, the gang, which is said to have about 40 members, allegedly robbed residents and commuters in Ketu, Iyana Era, Alasia, Morogbo areas and environs.

They got caught after their last operation left a trail for the RRS to follow. The suspect in a confession, said they planned the operation after drinking and smoking at the Egun festival, “It was at the Egun festival in the Oto Awori area that we planned the operation. We drank and smoke hemp during the festival. At about 8pm, we left for the Ijanikin area. We were about 40 persons. We robbed till dawn.

“Some of the gang members entered shops, restaurants, and stores to loot property. But in the process, I was arrested by the police. It was about three weeks ago that I returned from prison. I started robbery two years ago. s

“I had no option because my parents are late and I am the first child. In 2010, I also joined a cult group in the area. I belong to the Eiye Confraternity. As a result of the death of my parents, I dropped out of school in Senior Secondary School Class 2. I tried to learn welding, but it was not successful. Then, I joined the robbery gang. I am not the leader of the gang; the name of the gang leader is simply Dollar.”

Ada Igboanugo