BENIN CITY- The police in Benin have arrested a 54-year-old woman popularly known as ‘Area Mama’ with four others over alleged robbery in the state capital.

The woman, Hannah Ibadin with four other male suspects were alleged to had robbed two Rev. fathers (names withheld) both of Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, Benin City.

The gang allegedly robbed the clergymen of their vehicle, a Toyota Highlander SUV marked AP-975-CU, telephone sets and cash.

Commissioner of Police in Edo State CP DanMallam Mohammed paraded the five suspects before journalists on Friday, September 20, 2019.

CP DanMallam Mohammed said they were apprehended on September 16, 2019, as one Nokia 2.4 android phone was recovered from them.

He gave the names of other members of the gang as Jackson Ayanru, Efosa Oviarobo, 22, Miracle Okon, 21, and Osasumwen Onaiwu, 39.

Hannah Ibadin aka ‘Area Mama’ and Jackson Ayanru paraded by police in Benin for alleged robbery. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

Speaking with our reporter, ‘Area Mama’ denied involvement in the robbery but admitted selling a stolen phone given to her by Miracle Okon to her neighbour, Jackson Ayanru who is being detained as a criminal receiver.

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Jackson Ayanru said he did not know that the phone was a stolen one as ‘Area Mama’ told him it was sent from abroad, hence he paid her N12, 000.00 cash for the phone.

Miracle Okon who claimed to be a nomadic iron picker confessed to had in connivance with his friend now at large, at gunpoint snatched the Toyota Highlander containing the phone, cash and other variables from the Rev. father where he packed at a spot in Oliha quarters, Benin City.

He stated further that they sold the Toyota Highlander SUV at the sum of N400, 000.00 to a yet to be arrested buyer.

On their roles, Osasumwen Onaiwu and Efosa Oviarobo said they were not arrested for stealing but armed robbery and conspiracy.

They admitted to had contacted the buyer on phone.

CP DanMallam Mohammed said the suspects would be arraigned soon.