Eight suspected robbers who broke into a warehouse belonging to one Amselme Dozie Ofoezie at the Camp Yabassi neighbourhood last month and made away with FCFA 32 million, three computers and a bag containing mobile phones have been arrested. By November 27 only one of the suspects had been arrested by the Judicial Police in Douala. But week-end efforts were successful as 7 others were picked up from various underworld hideouts around the city.
The suspects, Brice Aubin Binong and Ivent Ngoulougue all 24 years old, Arlette Chancel Ngobo (37), Serge Leandre Makita alias Massoba and Adolphe Nyambo Nwi all 31, Moise Marcel Nlom (52), a notable of Camp Yabassi, Theophile Nlom (58) and his son Idriss Patience Nlom (20), were at the dawn of this week conveyed to the Court of First Instance in Bonanjo, having been charged with aggravated theft and false pretence by the police.
It is said the gang in early November dug the walls of the warehouse to access it. Police nabbed one of the suspects, Brice Aubin Binong, at the Limbe Beach on board a boat bound for Nigeria following a reliable tip-off. Admitting to the crime, Brice cited Martin Junior Nlom, Steve Ebelle alias Pipo and Obam alias Tonton, who are on the run, as his friends in crime. He further revealed to the policemen that he received the sum of FCFA 5 million as his part of the booty which he gave to his elder brother Ivent Ngoulougue. CT gathered that Steve Ebelle and Obam each received a share of FCFA 9 million while Martin Nlom, who served as the informant, was given FCFA 2 million. To Brice, Steve Ebelle gave the sum of FCFA 8 million to his aunt Arlette Chancel Ngobo and FCFA 23,000 to Serge Leandre Makita. He however remained evasive as concerns the whereabouts of the three computers.
In addition, the Court will also be trying the suspects in connection with car theft. Cars found at the disposal of Brice proved some fictitious deals. At the time of his arrest, he claimed to have bought the Toyota Carina E and Toyota Starlet at his disposal after winning the sum of FCFA 3 million from gambling with Pari-Foot. The vehicles were impounded at the premises of the Douala Judicial Police.