Imo Zenith Bank Robbery: Police finally arrest last suspect in viral robbery operation
The police have finally arrested a fleeing robbery suspect who was part of a gang that carried out a robbery operation at a Zenith Bank in Imo State about a year ago.
The gang had trailed a customer to the bank last February, but were met with fierce gunfire by some policemen stationed at the security post of the bank.
A gallant police officer, Chukwudi Iboko, had been killed along with two other policemen in the gun battle that ensued.
The arrested suspect, identified as Chinonso Gift Onwuegbuchulam, aka, Ogolo, was the last member of the gang that had since been arrested.
Three previously arrested members of the gang are: Justice Ogbenna, 36; Abiye Charles and Okechukwu Nwanegbo. Police had recovered two AK47 rifles with 100 rounds of live ammunition and another rifle with 175 rounds of ammunition, as well as four vehicles from the gang.
Onwuegbuchulam, a native of Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was paraded by the police in Owerri on Friday (today).
State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said, “I am delighted to announce to you that the remaining member of the gang, one Chinonso Gift Onwuegbuchulam, aka, Ogolo, male, 29 of age, hails from Obazu Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State, was arrested on February 21, 2018.
“The suspect, who claimed to hold a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Government and Public Administration from Imo State University in 2008, was arrested in his hideout at Close 7, Mgbuakara Eleparawan, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.”
According to the CP, the suspect had confessed to the crime and further revealed that out of the N2.8m his gang stole from their target, he got a share of N400,000.
“The suspect also confessed to being an armed robber since 2012 and has participated in several robbery operations in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Owerri between 2012 and 2017.
“He is helping in our investigation as we speak,” Ezike stressed.
According to the police boss, the arrest of Onwuegbuchulam has signaled the closure of the criminal gang and their nefarious activities.
Onwuegbuchulam confessed that he was part of the deadly operation and that he received N400,000 from the bank robbery incident.
“I was part of the operation and I got N400,000 from the N2.8m we stole.
“I am aware that my gang members were dead and that was why I ran to Lagos so as to remain elusive to the police,” the suspect said.
Onwuegbuchulam also said he regrets his actions. “If given another opportunity, I will repent,” he said.
