By Chiemelie Ezeobi
The operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested an ex-convict after he, alongside Wasiu, who is currently at large, robbed a Portuguese couple in traffic around Ijora, Lagos.
The suspect, 22-year-old Samuel Meme, was a scrap metal collector before he ventured into armed robbery by targeting and robbing cars whose occupants are busy using their phones while in traffic.
Meme was arrested after he robbed a Portuguese couple and occupant of another car in traffic at Marine Bridge, Ijora.
In his confessional statement, the suspect said, “My plan was to operate alone that night. Luckily for me there was heavy traffic, which extended deep into the night on Marine Bridge. Just as I was planning to strike, I ran into Wasiu and we decided to rob cars together.
“During the operation, we opted for a car at the rear, a Toyota SUV. The occupants were whites, and I guessed they were husband and wife. Wasiu and I positioned ourselves on both sides of the car and we broke the two rear glasses.
“I collected the man’s phone while Wasiu took her wife’s phone and her purse containing N60,000. The lady pleaded for her drug from the purse and I asked my colleague to give her and we left for another car in front, a Toyota Corolla, with a lone occupant.
“We broke the two side glasses too, but the lady insisted she had no phone but we collected her bag and jewellery.”
Recounting how he joined the robbery gang, the suspect revealed, “Wasiu taught me how to rob in traffic, and I have mastered the act. I operate alone. Occasionally, when I run into others and, we rob whenever there is traffic in Marine Bridge. We sleep under Ijora Bridge and we are many there.”
