This recession spoiled my poultry business, robbery suspect laments

The leader of a car snatching syndicate in Aba, Abia State simply identified as Ladislas Ukpabi revealed says he went into robbery as the recession took a toll on his poultry business.

The suspect while fielding questions from newsmen at the premises of the Abia State Police Command said that the economic change made him venture into robbery in a bid to expand his poultry farm.

Ukpabi said his poultry business is also hit by the economic recession facing Nigeria which made him consider armed robbery as an option to source cash which he hoped to plough back into his poultry business.

“I regret what I did. Our leaders should do something to help youths in the country so we can have jobs.” Ukpabi said.

Continuing, Ukpabi added that; “If I am well funded, I can raise about 10,000 birds. I am not boasting; I can do that very well right from the hatchery to the laying point.”

Reports say the suspect and members of his gangs were arrested after one Felix Anyanwu lodged a complaint that his Lexus Rx 330, with number plate, JJJ 618 DL, was stolen at gun point.

Read also: Panic as judges, lawyers are held hostage by gunmen in court

The police swung into action and following investigations arrested one Igwe Uloma, while re-registering the stolen vehicle for one Obinna Nwokeji of the Deeper Life Road, Umuada Uratta Aba.

However, Nwokeji who initially claimed that he bought the vehicle from Ukpabi for N600, 000, later confessed to be a member of the car snatching syndicate.

Also arrested was a man identified as Moses Nwosu who allegedly repainted the stolen vehicle from its original colour to black but he claims he was not aware the vehicle was stolen.

“I didn’t know the car was stolen, I met Obinna through one of my brothers who is a driver, he asked me to repaint the car to black colour for his father’s burial.” He said.

Continuing, he added that; “I asked him why he wanted to repaint it and he said he didn’t want his family members to know that the car belonged to his father.”

“But before I could finish the job, he called me to come and pick another car to work on; that was how I was arrested.”

According to Mr. Adeleye Oyebade, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, the suspects who have all confessed to the crime would soon be charged to court.

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