A rather desperate robber escaped from the Police by jumping into the lagoon with his loot in a bid to avoid prosecution
The culprit, a 19-year-old simply known as ‘Junior’ jumped from the 3rd Mainland Bridge into the lagoon to escape from police and it unknown if he is still alive.
According to the Punch, he was part of a 4-man gang that haunted the major bridge engaging in their underhanded activities, by luring bus passengers in and then robbing them (otherwise known as ‘One Chance)
On Monday, however, as they made their way towards Lagos Island, the Rapid Response Squad intercepted them having been tipped off by a victim.
While 3 of the robbers were caught, Junior, who was also with the loot, jumped into the murky waters below.
According to the Punch, community leader, Musbau Adekunle, said the gang had robbed one of his subordinates in the Oodua Peoples Congress on Sunday and subsequently, a curse was placed on the robbers.
“On Sunday, we were to have a meeting at Bariga. The money for the meeting was being brought by the Abore, Jamiu Ojuroye, when he was attacked by the robbers.” he said
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“Abore said he entered the bus at Estate bus stop and he sat in front with another passenger, who made way for him to sit in the middle. When the vehicle got to Iyana Ogudu, the robbers asked all the passengers to cooperate and dispossessed them of their valuables.
“Abore started struggling for the control of the steering with the driver and the supposed passenger beside him, sprayed a peppery substance on his face. They pushed him down at Ifako after collecting his money, phones and ATM cards.
“When he narrated his ordeal, we went to the shrines of Ogun and Esu. We gave Ogun and Esu what they liked to eat and requested that the suspects be caught.”
Musbau also narrated how his son, Semiu, got into the robbers’ vehicle. Semiu was then robbed and tossed from the car.
“He started shouting and calling for help. A taxi driver decided to help him and they gave the vehicle a chase.” Musbau narrated
“When they got to Olopo Meji bus stop, they saw the gang dropping off some other victims that had been dispossessed. They did not block the bus because it might not be safe. However, the bus turned and faced Obalende (Lagos Island).
“When they got to Berger bus stop, they informed the police who trailed the bus. The police caught up with the gang around UNILAG Waterfront on the Third Mainland Bridge. A policeman brought out a gun and ordered them to park. After the driver parked, the four suspects fled. Some motorists parked their vehicles and raised the alarm.
“A car hit the first robber. He stood up and attempted to continue running, but was hit by a second car. The police and my son got a motorcycle, chased and apprehended the other three suspects. However, the first robber who was hit by two cars jumped into the lagoon,” he added.
The Police also released a statement on the incident, saying; “The policemen, after being informed that the one-chance robbers were operating around the area, chased the bus, a Volkswagen with number plate, AKD 562 XP. The robbers, after being waylaid by the officers on the Third Mainland Bridge, abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot.
“But they were arrested. One of the robbers, who was later identified as Junior, 19, was hit by speeding vehicles twice on the bridge before he jumped into the lagoon,” the police said.