Abuja police detain 40 suspects over Maitama robbery, victim recognises two

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has detained 40 suspects following an alleged robbery incident around Unity Fountain in the Maitama area of Abuja.

The arrests followed a viral video alleging a robbery in the area, prompting the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to order an immediate raid of identified criminal flashpoints around Unity Fountain and its environs.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, on Monday, police operatives attached to Maitama Division conducted coordinated raids across the identified blackspots.

The operation led to the arrest of 70 suspects, of whom 30 were released after screening.

“Following preliminary screening and due process, thirty (30) of the suspects were screened and released, while forty (40) suspects were retained in custody for further investigation,” Ms Adeh said.

She said the victim of the alleged robbery subsequently identified two of the suspects as persons he recognised from the incident.

The two identified suspects, alongside the other arrested suspects, remain detained as the investigation continues.

“The identified suspects, alongside other persons retained in custody, are currently in custody, while investigations are being expanded to identify and apprehend any other person(s) who may be connected to the offence,” the police spokesperson said.

The command urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines—08032003913 and 08061581938.