Christopher Oji
Armed robbers at the early hours of  yesterday  invaded the Opebi , Ikeja, Lagos  residence of late Philantropist , MKO Abiola and carted away valuables including jewelery and  monies in foreign currencies .
 Already seven persons including domestic staff and private security guards attached to the residence  have been arrested and are presently facing interrogation at the  Special State Anti Robbery Squad ( SARS), Lagos State Police Command , Ikeja .
 It was gathered that the robbers who  assessed the house through the canal , entered the rooms and later   escaped through the fence of the building.
A senior Police Officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity as he was not supposed to speak with  the press told Daily Sun that the robbers numbering about five and armed with dangerous weapons including guns gained access to the the building  a canal behind the crescent.
The police officer said the hoodlums who were prepared for the attack  cut  the protective wires on the fence. It was gathered that when they were  not able to get access into the main house in the mansion because of the  security doors, they dug a deep hole beside one of the doors and entered the main house.
According to him: ” The robbers  broke into the room of one his  daughters who they forced  to take them to her mother’s room where they carted  away jewelery , money  in different denomination, including foreign currencies. The robbers did not hurt anyone and after the raiding ,they left the same way they came .
“A police team was invited to the scene and after the analysis and careful study of the CCTV camera in the house, we suspected insider’s connection and arrested seven  persons including two security guards on duty at the building during the robbery attack.
The Lagos Statetate Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu was on the spot assessment to the scene and ordered that the suspect must be fished out .
 Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bala Elkana, told Daily Sun that the  police would soon come up with a statement : “I can confirm it is true. I am trying to get the full details, but I can assure you we will get the robbers.
  “Our findings from the wife of MKO Abiola also revealed that it could be handwork of insiders who work in that home. We will not consider it as armed robbery. It is a case of stealing, breaking and entry. It was buglary . We are still investigating the incident.”
 However, a  statement by Tundun Abiola, read: “In the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, September 2, armed men invaded and ransacked the residence of Chief MKO Abiola in Ikeja, Lagos.
  “The hoodlums subjected the family to extreme emotional torture and harassment and stole cash and other valuable items belonging to the family.
  “The police have since been informed. The crime is being investigated. We are consoled by the fact that no life was lost in this unfortunate and frightening incident.We give glory to Almighty Allah and we thank friends and family members across the world who have called and sent messages of support and solidarity”.
When Daily Sun visited the residence , a police patrol team and some plain clothes policemen were seen,but the private security men attached to the buildings .