5 nabbed for robbery, car theft in Bayelsa

YENAGOA — Policemen attached to the Akenfa and Yenagoa Division of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a notorious criminal, identified as John Brigidi, aka Timberland and four others in separate raids over alleged robbery, car theft and recruitment of youths into violent crimes in the state.

John Brigidi was arrested alongside Tamara Joseph and Udoka Nezedike during a raid along the Tenacious road junction, Edepie and Akenfa area for allegedly robbing a couple, Felicia and Johnson Adejuwon at gun point.

The duo of Keneth Temiunsi, an indigene of Igbogene community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state and another unidentified youth were arrested with a locally-made pistol and a stolen vehicle at Akenfa and Obele areas respectively.

The Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, who confirmed the development, said the raid was part of ongoing exercise targeted at mopping up arms and check-mating incidence of theft and robbery in parts of the state.

According to him, “Brigidi alias Timberland and his gang were arrested at about 2.30 am on August 16, 2014 during a raid on the Akenfa area of the state following his identification by a couple robbed by the gang. The couple were robbed at gun point at about 8.30pm.

“On Agust 8, at about 5am, a gang of robbers, operating in a Nissan Premiera wagon with number plate BY 37BB, were apprehended by the police patrol team and some concerned individuals. When the vehicle was searched, three suspected stolen car stereos were recovered.

“Also in the Yenagoa area, police anti-crime patrol team raided some black spots and saw a suspicious gathering of youths. On sighting the police team, the youths took to their heels and one was arrested and found to be in possession of a locally made pistol.”

…4  arrested in Bauchi
Also, the Bauchi State Police Command, yesterday, said it had arrested four suspects who specialised  in robbing motorists plying the Bauchi Dindima-Alkaleri highway.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, in a statement said the arrest was made possible following a tip-off by members of the public.
Items recovered from the suspects included five fabricated rifles, cartridges, cutlass and four handsets.

In another development, one Suleiman Adam of Karofin Madaki, who specialised in snatching motorcycles, was arrested by detectives attached to the GRA Division at about 11:10 pm on August 16, 2014.
According to the statement; “The suspects used a stone and hit 22year old Adamu Abdullahi  of Jitar village of Bauchi on his head and snatched his Boxer motorcycle with registration number BAU 467 UQ.
The victim was rushed to the hospital, treated and discharged.”

The statement said that on the 17th August, 2014, Police patrol   smashed some syndicates who specialises in using snakes to rob their   victims.
The suspects used a giant snake and subjected one Ahmed Idris of Gwallaga at Oando filling Station, Wunti roundabout and dispossessed him of 7,000 Naira, Nokia handset and fled.
It said one Hussaini Musa of Gombe road (Snake Charmer) and his accomplice were subsequently arrested and some exhibits were recovered.
The command urged members of the general public not to relent in providing useful information that may assist the police in making the state safe and secured.