Edo police arrest suspected armed robber for m8rder of Lagos Uber driver, recover stolen vehicle and AK-47 rifle

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspect over the d@ath of an Uber driver, Usman Umaru, in Lagos.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, October 20, 2024, said the suspect, John Ochekwu Abraham and his gang member identified as "Ahua" or “Soldier” snatched the deceased's Toyota Camry at gunpoint, resulting in his death. 

He said Abraham was arrested by the operatives of Safer Highway and Okpella Division during a stop and search operation. 

The PPRO said one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 18RDs of ammunition and the stolen vehicle were recovered from the suspect.

“The Edo state command is pleased to inform the public of a successful joint operation by the operatives of Safer Highway and Okpella Division which resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and a firearm, as well as the arrest of a suspect,” the statement read.

"During a routine stop and search operation, a silver colored Toyota Camry with registration number BDG 17 JK, was intercepted with two occupants. 

"Upon searching the vehicle, one magazine loaded with 18 AK47 ammunition and one AK 47 rifle were found concealed inside the vehicle's engine compartment.

"Unfortunately, the driver later identified as "Ahua" or "Soldier" real name unknown escaped from arrest while the search was going on, leaving one of his gang member, John Ochekwu Abraham in the vehicle.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects snatched the said vehicle at gunpoint in Lagos on October 11, 2024, resulting in the d@ath of the Uber driver, Usman Umaru.

"Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect. Meanwhile, the command commends the swift action of our operatives and appreciate the public's continued support in combating crime.

"The command remains reachable on the following telephone lines: In Distress: 08077773721, 08037646272. Complaints:08150999335."