Abdullahi Shuaibu: Nigerian journalist named in multiple UK bank robberies
The police in New York have charged Abdullahi Shuaibu, Nigerian journalist and ex-United Nations staff with the robbery of four Manhattan banks.
Prosecutors said he robbed four banks between 27 February and 17 April.
The Manhattan court ordered Shuaibu, 53, held on $150,000 bond or $75,000 cash bail.
Prosecutors said the former UN and News Agency of Nigeria staff usually thanked the tellers he stuck up for their “understanding.”
According to New York Daily News, Shuaibu, a Nigerian journalist, stayed close to the UN on First Ave. by 45th St. while he scored $10,000 hitting up three banks in February and March, cops said.
He had a short-term communications gig at the UN for two months in 2013 and has not worked there since, UN spokeswoman Eri Kaneko said.
In the first three robberies, Shuaibu handed a teller a note reading, “Give me $5,000 now. I have a gun. I will use it if you do not give me, I am very serious! Thanks for your understanding,” according to a criminal complaint.
Two of the three tellers complied, according to court documents.
Shuaibu, of Jamaica Estates, struck again Monday at an HSBC bank on Third Ave. and E. 40th St., where he passed a note to a teller demanding money, cops said.
“Read it. Check it,” he said, according to the complaint.
The teller refused, instead asking him to show his ID, police sources said.
He responded by simulating a weapon with his hand inside his jacket before running off empty-handed, sources said.
Police officers with NYPD’s Major Case Squad arrested him outside the Foreign Press Centre, which is across the street from the UN, cops said.
Police sources said a retired cop working at the UN recognized him after police released his photo to the media.
NAN
