‘I started robbing when I was seven’ – Nabbed 20-Year-Old Dad Tells Police

Yusuf Lawal, a 20-year-old robbery suspect and dad of one recently arrested in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos alongside another member of his gang, Taju Alabi, spilled that he started robbing when he was only 7 years old.

Lawal, who is the only child of his parents, told Punch he started with petty robbery and refused to stop even after his father told him to, adding that he turned out badly due to peer pressure.

He said,

“I am the only child of my parents. I grew up not knowing my mother, who died when I was still a child. I don’t know what my father does for a living. My father could not correct me because I always overpowered him whenever he attempted to do so. I later ran away from home and started living with a friend in Idi-Oro, Mushin.

I started robbing when I was seven after I quit primary school. My friend, Sule, introduced me to robbery and we always went out to rob residents. We stole phones, money, and other valuables. Also, we usually rob very early in the morning. I will turn a new leaf if the police can release me.”

His 18-year-old accomplice, Alabi, denied knowing Lawal and said he had never participated in any of the robberies.

Lawal, however confronted him, saying, “On two different occasions, I stole phones and gave them to you to sell, which you did and we later shared the money. You saw me living large and you asked me for the secret, and I told you. We have been doing this together so tell the truth. When we were robbing people, you should have known this will be the end.”

The 18-year-old later owned up, claiming he had only gone for three operations.

“Yes, he’s my friend and we have been friends since childhood. We met at Mushin. I work at a carwash and I am also a bus conductor. I have only stolen three phones. It is true that we rob people,” he added.