An ex-convict who was released from Kirikiri prison in July 2014, has been arrested over the weekend by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of Lagos State Command.
Following his arrest, the 24-year-old Phillip Toihile, who belongs to a three-man robbery gang, claimed he became an armed robber because he wanted to raise funds for his diabetes drugs.
Toihile was arrested alongside his two accomplices, Salifu Abbey, 26, and Idris Sulyman, 28, while they were attempting to rob a taxi driver, Amori Fataiat at the Ijora area of the state around 10p.m.
Confessing to the crime, Toihile explained that he went into robbery to raise N17,000 to procure his prescribed drugs, according to Vanguard.
He said: “This entire thing is like a temptation.
“With my condition, I am not expected to be found in a situation like this. I was sick. I went to health centre. They said I am diabetic and that my sugar level was 475 milligram. The doctor prescribed some drugs worth about N17,000. I was told at the health centre to go and get the drugs and come back for further test.
“I invited my friend, Abbey, explained my situation and he agreed to assist me to raise the funds. I got the gun we used from Yaba Railway yard.
“The gun was wrapped with a polythene bag by cart pushers. I picked it with two live cartridges and we mapped out our plans.”
One of the suspects, Abbey, however, distanced himself from the crime, saying “although the gun was found on me, it was given to me by Toihile. He told me he was returning the gun to the owner in Ijora, while he was on his way to his girlfriend house.
“He begged me to help him conceal the gun. Because he was looking frail and emaciated, if he had a gun on him, people would spot it. Besides, what I was putting on was a jeans and overall jacket. I felt it was easier for me to hide the gun.”
