Lagos police arrest ‘ex-convict’ over Allen Avenue ‘jewellery robbery’

Operatives of the Lagos state police command have arrested one John Samuel, a 28-year-old suspected armed robber and hired assassin, over robbery and shooting of Gbenga Obama, a businessman.

In August, Obama was shot at and reportedly dispossessed of his jewellery by the suspect in broad daylight, on Gbajobi street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja.

In a statement on Saturday, the police said the alleged armed robber was arrested at his hideout in Epe on September 19 at about 2pm.

The police said the suspect was recently released from prison, but resumed operations almost immediately, robbing Obama of an expensive gold necklace and other valuables.

“John Samuel is an ex-convict known for his viciousness in armed robbery, assassination, and murder of some of his victims. He was released recently after serving a six-year jail term for capital offence of armed robbery,” the statement reads.

“After his release from prison, he returned to crime and criminality with even more viciousness. He is notorious for shooting at victims before dispossessing them of their valuables.”

The police said CCTV footage from the August 18 incident showed Samuel shooting at the victim before snatching the gold necklace, while an accomplice waited on a motorcycle to whisk him away.

The victim reportedly sustained serious gunshot wounds but has since been treated and discharged.

“CCTV footage of the 18/08/2025 incident obtained, clearly captured the suspect when he fired at the victim with an English pistol,before dispossessing him of his gold necklace jewelry while his accomplice waited on a motorcycle for their escape. The victim, who sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack,has since been treated and discharged,” the police added.

The police said Samuel confessed to selling the stolen jewellery for N4 million — “far below its actual value”.

The command added that it has intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the gang, who will face prosecution upon completion of investigations.

Olohundare Jimoh, commissioner of police in Lagos, warned that “Lagos has no hiding place” for criminals and urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear.