BENIN CITY-A taxi driver has robbed his passenger of N70m worth of foreign currency in Benin City.
Laptops, clothes, wrist watch, national driver license, Firstbank documents, ATM, International Passport and other valuables were allegedly lost to the robber.
The victim, Mr Osarodion Imasuen, a bureau de change operator said the robbery occurred around New Nigeria Bank building, Mission Road, Benin City, about 4pm, Monday, Sept. 5, 2016.
He said that he was returning from Lagos with 200, 000 euros and the above stated goods when he called the taxi driver whom he has been using for over 15 years to wait and pick him from a motor park in Benin City.
Mr Imasuen who expressed shock at the criminal action of his trusted taxi driver, stated that as they drove some distance from the park, the driver pulled over, brought out a small towel, alighted from the car as he pretended to be cleaning the windscreen.
He added that two armed men suddenly appeared from the blues, as the driver launched a deafening slap on his face, snatched his wrist watch as they dragged him out of the vehicle.
He further stated that the trio in a Commando style entered the vehicle and sped off with his cash and goods.
“I have reported the matter at the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state police command headquarters in Benin City.
“The mother of the driver and one ‘Babalawo’ (native doctor) are currently being interrogated by the police”. Mr Imasuen stated.
Mr Imasuen however thanked God that he was not killed in the robbery.
Confirming the robbery, the Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command DSP Theodore Okafor said that operatives of the command are on the trail of the driver.
He said those earlier invited by the police have been interrogated and released as the police do not arrest on proxy.
