A startling revelation emerged in Jos as a teenage student, Benjamin Basil, was apprehended by security operatives at a local bank while allegedly attempting to rob it of N100 million.
Basil, who claims to be a student at Plateau State Polytechnic, narrated a harrowing tale of being kidnapped and coerced into the criminal act.
Recalling his ordeal to PUNCH Online at the police Command headquarters in Jos, Basil stated, “I was on my way to school when I was kidnapped near the police staff college. They strapped what they claimed was a suicide bomb to me and instructed me to rob the bank under threat of death.”
In a dramatic turn of events, Basil was directed by his captors to enter the bank with two bags and demand the sum of N100 million.
“They threatened to shoot me dead if I didn’t comply,” he added.
However, chaos ensued as bank personnel and security officials became aware of the situation, prompting Basil to flee the scene. He was subsequently apprehended by bank security personnel.
Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbenga, clarified that the items strapped to Basil were not bomb explosives. Investigations into Basil’s claims and the incident are ongoing, with the possibility of charges being pressed upon completion.
“The case is currently under investigation at the state CID, to ascertain the validity of his claims and arrest possible suspects,” Commissioner Olugbenga affirmed.
He also commended the citizens of Plateau State for their collaboration with the police, providing valuable information that aids in ensuring the safety and security of the community.