I needed money for Army recruitment form, says suspected Okada thief

Operatives at the anti-robbery unit of State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, Lagos, have arrested two suspected robbers, who allegedly specialize in robbing people, stealing motorcycles and reselling the parts to unsuspecting customers.

The suspects, identified as Julius Joshua, 22; and Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, 32, were

arrested at Alaba Rago and Trade Fair, respectively, after Police received intelligence report that they were unleashing terror on residents in the community.

Vanguard learned that Julius Joshua is presently the kingpin in one of the cells and allegedly extorts money from other suspects in detention.

Suspect’s confession

Confessing to the crime, Julius Joshua said he was arrested at Alaba Rago because he stole motorcycles and sold them off.

According to him, “I stole one from one Mr. Seieu and sold it for N20,000. I also stole another from one Mr. Isa and sold it. I sold both to Ugochukwu Nwachukwu.

“I stole the bikes and sold them because I was in need of money at that time. I used the proceeds from the sale to purchase Nigerian Army recruitment form. I bought the form for N4,500. I went for the recruitment exams in Ikeja, Lagos.

“After the exams, I was among those short-listed for the screening. I travelled to Kaduna State for the screening, but failed.

“I am from Adamawa State. I have realized that my actions were wrong, which is why I am begging for mercy and I promise never to go back to crime.

“My dad, who has been bedridden for the past 15 years, died last week when he heard I was arrested for robbery.”

‘I didn’t know he stole them’

In his defence, 32-year-old Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, the receiver, of the stolen motorcycles, said: “I was arrested in Article Market at Trade Fair. I was arrested because I bought stolen motorcycle from Julius in September last year.

“When I bought the bike from him, I did not know he stole it. I bought one bike from him. When he brought the second motorcycle, I refused to buy it because he brought forged documents for the motorbike.”.