The Edo State Police Command has arrested some suspects in connection with the recent attacks on some commercial banks in Benin City, over the scarcity of the new Naira notes.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Benin City, also paraded other suspects involved in unlawful possession of firearms and robbery.
Riots had broken out on Wednesday the 15th of February
in many parts of the city over a cash crunch.
Many bank customers who laid siege to the Central Bank in Benin City were in confusion as to the fate of their old Naira notes and became riotous after two people were killed.
The aftermath was the destruction of several banks in Benin City, including their Automated Teller Machines, ATMs and Points of Sale, POS shops.
The police in Edo State say it has six persons in their custody over the malicious destruction of the banks and other facilities, and also for unlawful assembly, leading to a riotous situation at various parts of Benin City.
The suspects have denied the allegations.
Similarly, some suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Police Command for Cultism, attempts to attack men of the Edo State Security Network and members of the Public Works Volunteers.
Several items including AK 47 Riffles, cut-to-size guns and live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
