I needed money for my diabetes drugs— Suspect

By Esther Onyegbula

A member of a three-man robbery gang, arrested weekend by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of Lagos State Command, has said that he went into robbery to raise funds for his diabetes drugs.

The suspect, Phillip Toihile, 24, along with his two accomplices, Salifu Abbey, 26, and Idris Sulyman, 28, were picked up in Ijora by the operatives at about 10p.m., while attempting to rob a taxi driver, Amori Fatai.

Confessing to the crime, Toihile explained that he went into robbery to raise N17,000 to procure his prescribed drugs. The suspect, an ex-convict, who was released from Kirikiri prison in July 2014, 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.”

Meanwhile, Abbey has 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.”