Many of the traders in Alaba Market are Armed Robbers (Read)

One Mr. John Nnamdi, who owns one of the biggest
stores at the Alaba International Market was
recently arrested for robbery. While opening up to the police on his arrest, he said
"I participated in a robbery operation where we
made over one hundred million naira and I got
twenty eight million naira as my share. What kind of
business could I have done to get that kind of
money?" I am a businessman at the Alaba International
Market. I deal in musical instruments. The same thing
is applicable to my members. They have one
business or the other in the market. Some sell
generator parts or sets; others sell one thing or the
other to deceive people that we are into genuine businesses.We robbed a man travelling from
Cotonou." On how they got the information that the man was
holding a huge amount of money, John said that "It was our informant that told us that the man
was coming into the country. It was the most
successful robbery operation that I ever
participated in. Others got N25 to N18 million,
depending on their roles. I am the gang leader. "The second robbery was in Cotonou. We
raided a bank. We got big money also. But I
can't say how much. I know I got N17 million
and my boys got as much as N5 million each." The suspects, while speaking on robberies outside
Nigeria, said "Robberies in Cotonou are easier than what happens in Nigeria. In Cotonou, you don't
even need a gun to operate. But in Nigeria,
especially in Lagos, you need to be very
careful." On why he continued to participate in robberies even
after making enough money, the suspect said that "Well, I built a very magnificent building in my
village. I have another one in Lagos. I bought
some cars but I regret everything now. I am
going to be ashamed both in the market and in
my village because people see me as a big guy.
What of my church? I am finished; I am a Catholic and an active church member who
belongs to many societies. My church members
will now see me as an evil person. I am
exposed to ridicule. Well, many people in Alaba
International Market and other market places
are into armed robbery or other illegal businesses. Like Victor Anamalechi, he is my
gang member and he sells generating sets. He
is equally seen in the market as a big man. The
other person, Ihenacho Igwe (aka Messiah) is
not in Alaba Market, but when he got much
money, he invested in trucks. He also bought some taxis and commercial buses. He really
utilised his money very well but all is now
vanity. "My advice to people is that they should not be
envious of other people that they see in
affluence. Many of them could have acquired
their wealth through illegal means, especially
armed robbery. More so, the money one gets
through armed robbery brings fear and apprehension as one is forced to live in
perpetual fear. Now, I have been living in fear
and the thing I was afraid of all this while has
finally happened to me. I have been arrested
and I don't know my fate yet."