Segun Atanda/
Details have emerged on how a 5-man gang escaped with N112, 335, 000, after a bullion van was ambushed and a Director of Finance at the Governor’s office in Ogun State was fatally shot.
NewsmakersNG investigations revealed that the Director of Finance, Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi had taken the bullion van to withdraw N97, 335, 000 from Fidelity Bank and N15, 000, 000 from Sterling Bank in Abeokuta, Ogun State when his team ran into the ambush.
According to insiders and police sources, the late Oyekanmi had gone to the banks without his police escort who had excused himself for the day.
His driver had also reportedly vamoosed after the robbery.
Oyekanmi was a chartered accountant and a former Assistant General Secretary of ICAN Abeokuta & District Society.
The police have released a situation report in a statement issued by Ogun State police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola.
Odutola stated: “The Divisional Police Officer of Ibara Police Station led a team of policemen to the scene of crime that occurred at the overhead bridge in Kuto inward Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
“Following a report that suspected armed robbery attack took place on November 29, 2023. The incident involved a mini bullion van belonging to the office of the Director of Finance and Administration, Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan Abeokuta.
“The bullion van, registered under the number X Pilot 13, was transporting the Director of Finance, Taiwo Oyekanmi, along with the driver, Olalekan Akintoye, and Peter Samson. The van was carrying an unspecified amount of cash collected from Fidelity Bank and Sterling Bank in Abeokuta.
“It is worth noting that the bullion van was lacking security escort at the time of the incident.
“During the attack, the bullion van was dangerously intercepted on the Kuto Overhead Bridge by yet to be identified five armed men. These suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and were traveling in an unregistered silver Toyota Corolla, and suddenly they trapped the Bullion van by double crossing it. The armed men first interrogated the driver to know if they had rifles in the vehicle and specifically inquired about the identity of the Director of Finance.
“In a display of anger, the armed men fired shots at the front door of the vehicle, where the director was seated.
“As a result of the attack, the Director of Finance sustained bullet wounds on his thigh and private part. He was rushed to the State Hospital, where he later gave up the ghost. The driver and other occupants of the robbery attack remain unharmed. At present, no arrests have been made; however, efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.
“The incident is currently under investigation , by Ibara Police Station, and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department for discreet investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha is reassuring residents of Ogun State not to panic or fear as the situation is under control; operatives are working diligently to gather more information that will bring the perpetrators to justice.”
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