Posted by By Tunde Odesola, Osogbo on
A female trader has identified one of the suspected armed robbers, who raided banks in Ile-Ife, on Monday, as one of the hoodlums who broke into her shop in Osogbo, some months ago.
A female trader has identified one of the suspected armed robbers, who raided banks in Ile-Ife, on Monday, as one of the hoodlums who broke into her shop in Osogbo, some months ago.
Our correspondent exclusively gathered that the woman went to the police command in Osogbo on Wednesday after seeing the picture of the suspect on the television.
But the suspect, who gave his name as Babatunde Babalola, claimed to be an Economics teacher at Aiyedun Grammar School, Labata town, Ife-South Local Government Council.
However, the state's Ministry of Education and authorities of the school have failed to confirm or deny the claim by the suspect, three days after the incident.
Professing his innocence, Babalola said he was caught when he was stealing money from the jeep abandoned by the robbers.
But a 27-year-old man, Julius Adewuyi, who owned up to being the driver of the gang, said that Babalola was in charge of the gang's armoury.
The Head, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Osun State Police Command, Mr. Akin Okunola, told our correspondent that the woman, whose identity he did not disclose, had testified against Babalola.
Okunola, who disputed the claim by the suspect, said police investigations would prove that the suspect was involved in the robbery.
'He's just lying. A woman has come up to give evidence against him. The woman alleged that Babalola was one of those who broke into her shop in Osogbo and looted her goods.'