How we met in prison, formed robbery gang, stole monarch’s crown

Three suspected members of a robbery gang accused of terrorising motorists along the Ife–Ilesha Expressway in Osun State have been arrested by Lagos police.

According to Tribune, two suspects, Ejike Ani and Chubuzor Anasihwe, reportedly met while serving prison sentences at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Ani blamed his involvement in robbery on poverty and debts incurred during his imprisonment.

“I met Chinedu at Kirikiri prison when I was serving my jail term. He is also from Ebonyi. He was the one giving me soap to bathe and wash my clothes. It was there that we became very close.”

He alleged that the gang used improvised weapons and fireworks during operations, including one targeting a monarch whose vehicle broke down.

The suspects allegedly stole the monarch’s crown and other valuables.

Lagos Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani said investigations linked the gang to robberies involving five vehicles and valuables estimated at ₦50 million.

Police said efforts were continuing to apprehend other gang members and recover stolen property.