Ex-convicts arrested over alleged N50m robbery in Osun

Two ex-convicts, Ejike Ani, 32, and Chubuzor Anasihwe, 31, have been apprehended by the Lagos State Police Command for suspected robbery activities along the Ife-Ilesha Expressway in Osun State. The stolen vehicles and valuables are valued at approximately N50 million. The suspects were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit after months of investigation in separate locations in Lagos.

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, announced that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to robbery incidents on August 20 and September 20, 2026. The arrests were made following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intensify efforts against criminal activities nationwide.

During questioning, the suspects revealed that they met while serving time together at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos and later reunited after their release. Ani, originally from Ebonyi State, admitted to engaging in robbery due to poverty, debts, and his mother's medical expenses, which amounted to N800,000 for eye surgery.

He stated that he returned to his village after his release but became frustrated by his inability to meet his mother's medical needs and settle outstanding debts. Ani claimed that the gang initially abandoned an attempted robbery when motorists alerted them to their presence, but later returned to the highway and allegedly stole valuables from three men assisting a broken-down vehicle.

He alleged that the gang also stole a bus during heavy rainfall and robbed a vehicle belonging to a traditional ruler, although the monarch and his driver escaped unharmed.

Anasihwe, who also previously sold clothes on Lagos Island, admitted to meeting Ani in prison during their time serving sentences. They reunited in Ijora after their release and participated in a robbery operation together. However, Anasihwe denied involvement in the robbery targeting the traditional ruler, claiming he had already been apprehended. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of each suspect's involvement in the alleged robberies.