Hyacinth Chinweuba
The suspects arrested for attempting to rob an old generation bank in Mpape, Abuja on Saturday; have reportedly indicted some staff members of the financial institution.
The suspects told police detectives during interrogation that; some employees of the bank invited them to carry out the robbery.
The police apprehended four gang members while the number of bank workers in custody could not be confirmed yet.
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and soldiers from the Guards Brigade however, foiled the heist in Mpape; a settlement a few metres away from the highbrow Maitama District.
The police gunned down one of the suspects; while they arrested four others.
The suspects had holed up in the banking hall for almost two hours; until they were smoked out with teargas by security personnel, who condoned off all possible escape routes.
It was gathered that the suspects were invited to rob the Automated Teller Machines located on the bank premises.
The ATMs were stashed with huge amounts of money to cater to customers’ cash needs during the Yuletide.
A police source, who is familiar with the investigation into the failed heist told journalists that the bank workers in custody were trying hard to absolve themselves of blame.
“It is too early to give details, but so far, the suspects are claiming that they were given information; about how to rob the bank by some of the workers. We are still working to verify their claims,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, the bank’s management said in a statement after the standoff between the robbers; and security personnel that its workers and customers were safe.
“The immediate response by the police and military is very commendable; and we truly appreciate them for their doggedness and commitment,” it stated.
