Ani, who was among nine suspected armed robbers and kidnappers arrested by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, told newsmen that though he was a member of a non-governmental organisation, living became very difficult for him.
Twelve vehicles, all Toyota brands, which were snatched from motorists in Rivers State, were recovered by the police from Ani, who the State Police Command also identified as an ex-convict, and his suspected accomplice, Andrew Atuse.
The suspect confessed that he was able to rob people of their vehicles and sell them immediately through a friend of his, Atuse, identified as a fake soldier; also arrested by FSARS.
Ani, who claimed to be studying Accounting on a part-time basis in one of the tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt, said he started snatching cars over a year ago, adding that the proceeds were used to solve some of his financial problems.
“I went into car robbery because of hardship and the devil pushed me into it. When we snatch the vehicles, we give it to him (pointing at the fake soldier) because he always posed as a soldier.
“We snatched majority of the cars in Port Harcourt. We snatched some of the vehicles at gunpoint while others were taken away where they were parked with master keys.
“The military man (fake soldier) carries the cars. It is the Army man that brought us into this business. Like I said, when we collect the cars, we give it to him (pointing at the fake soldier). I am an undergraduate,” he said.
