One of the armed robbers caught on Saturday
Some employees of Firstbank of Nigeria in Mpape area of Abuja have
been indicted by notorious armed robbers who confessed to the crime
after they were arrested on Saturday.
According to a report by Punch, the suspects told police detectives
during interrogation that they were invited to carry out the robbery by
some employees of the bank.
While four gang members were apprehended, the number of bank
workers in custody could not be confirmed as of the time of filing this
report.
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and
soldiers from the Guards Brigade foiled the heist in Mpape, a settlement
a few metres away from the highbrow Maitama District.
One of the suspects was gunned down, while four others were arrested.
The suspects had holed up in the banking hall for almost two hours
until they were smoked out with teargas by security personnel, who
condoned off all possible escape routes.
It was gathered that the suspects were invited to rob the Automated Teller Machines located on the bank premises.
It was believed that the ATMs were stashed with huge amounts of money to cater to customers’ cash needs during the Yuletide.
A police source, who is familiar with the investigation into the
failed heist, informed PUNCH Metro that the bank workers in custody were
trying hard to absolve themselves of blame.
“It is too early to give details, but so far, the suspects are
claiming that they were given information about how to rob the bank by
some of the workers. We are still working to verify their claims,” the officer said.
When Punch correspondent passed by the bank premises on Sunday,
observed that the place was desolate with broken glasses everywhere.
Two armed policemen were seen chatting outside the building.
Meanwhile, the bank’s management said in a statement after the
standoff between the robbers and security personnel that its workers and
customers were safe.
“The immediate response by the police and military is very
commendable and we truly appreciate them for their doggedness and
commitment,” it stated.