I robbed to raise money to fund poultry farm – Suspect

A suspected leader of a car snatching syndicate in Aba, Abia State, identified as Ladislas Ukpabi, has said that he robbed to raise money to expand his poultry farm.

He said the economic recession in the country and frustration as a result of his dwindling poultry business made him to consider armed robbery as an option.

Ukpabi, who expressed regrets for his action in an interview with The PUNCH said, “I regret what I did. If I’m well funded, I can raise about 10,000 birds without losing one I’m not boasting about it, I can do that very well right from the hatchery to the laying point.”

The suspect who claimed to be a graduate of Animal Science from Plateau State University was arrested by Police operatives in connection with a car theft case reported to the Abayi Police division in Aba.

It was learnt that one Mr. Felix Anyanwu of Umuoda road in Aba had made a complaint that his Lexus Sports utility vehicle was snatched at gun point on August 8.

It was gathered that the Police in its investigation arrested one Igwe Uloma who resides at No 1 Watch Tower Street by old express road Aba, in the process of re-registration of the stolen vehicle for one Obinna Nwokeji of Deeper Life Road, Umuada Uratta, Aba.

Obinna however claimed that he bought the vehicle from Ukpabi at the cost of N600,000 only, but later confessed to be a member of the syndicate.

Exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include one locally made single barrel shot gun with six live cartridges, one Lexus Rx 330 SUV car with registration number JJJ 618 DL, one Honda CRV car with registration number No. SSM 143 KK, a master car key, number plate AK 103 GR and one standing fan.

The Police also arrested one Moses Nwosu, an automobile panel beater/spray painter based at Orji in Owerri, Imo State, who allegedly repainted the stolen vehicle from its original colour to black for Obinna.

Nwosu however said he was not aware that the vehicle was stolen.

Punch