Armed robbery: Deceased suspect named defendant as gang member – Witness tells court

ASP Emmanuel Gabriel, a witness in alleged armed robbery case, on Tuesday told an FCT High Court, Maitama, that a deceased suspect (Okwudiri), named Reagan Abaka, a defendant in the matter, as his gang member.

Abaka, 32, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.

The prosecution had alleged that the defendant on May 13, 2017, at about 11:30p.m.conspired with one Okwudiri now deceased, armed with firearms, broke into the house of one Dr Uwakwe Abugu, at Gwagwalada.

The police alleged that they robbed Abugu , a lecturer at the University of Abuja and his entire household.

The items stolen were: HP laptop, four mobile cell phones, N10, 000, and two wrist watches.

The offences were contrary to Section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap 11 LFN 2004.

The defendant denied committing the offences.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, Gabriel, the first prosecution witness, narrated how Abaka was named by the deceased which led to his arrest

Gabriel, led in evidence by Mr Augustine Urom, the prosecuting counsel, told the court that a distress call came to them (police ) that there was a robbery going on at a street in Gwagwalada.

He said it was about 11. 30 a.m. on May 13, 2017, and on getting there, Okwudiri, now deceased, ran into someone’s house and was shooting from there.

“He shot at the police and there was an exchange; on the process he was hit by a bullet and he fell down and was subsequently over-powered.
“One locally made pistol, four life cartridges and one expanded one was recovered from him.

“We immediately took him to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, and on the way he gave us the name of Abaka and his address, and mentioned him as one of his gang members” Gabriel told the court.

He said that when the police located Abaka, the stolen items were recovered from him and Dr Abugu, the complainant identified them as his stolen items

Gabriel also told the court that the items were deposited with the exhibit keeper.

Urom prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them bring the exhibits from the keeper.

The defendant’s counsel, Mr Stephen Angwa, did not object.

The judge, Justice Peter Affen, adjourned the case until June 12 for continuation of hearing. (NAN )