The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in crime detection with the arrest of an ex-convict, John Samuel, a notorious armed robbery kingpin, hired assassin, and murderer who was captured by CCTV robbing.
The 28-year-old man, recently released from prison, was tracked and apprehended by operatives at his hideout in Epe on September 19, 2025, following weeks of surveillance.
The ex-convict gold jewellery robbery
John Samuel, an ex-convict from Akwa Ibom State, was behind the Allen Avenue gold jewellery armed robbery attack that left a popular businessman, Mr. Gbenga Marose, also known as “Obama,” with gunshot injuries.
The incident occurred on August 18, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m. when the ex-convict ambushed Marose on Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the suspect, armed with an English pistol, fired at the victim’s thigh before snatching a gold necklace worth an estimated ₦40 million.
“CCTV footage clearly captured the suspect shooting at the victim before escaping with his accomplice, who waited on a motorcycle,” police stated.
The victim, who was the former Chairman of the Computer Village, was immediately rushed to New Ikeja Hospital before being referred to Ikeja General Hospital for further treatment.
He has since been discharged.
The Police revealed that Samuel confessed to selling the stolen gold jewellery for only ₦4 million, far below its market value.
A vicious return to crime
Investigations showed that John Samuel had recently completed a six-year prison sentence for armed robbery but returned to crime with even more brutality.
“He is notorious for shooting at victims before dispossessing them of their valuables. His arrest marks a turning point in efforts to clamp down on violent crimes within Lagos State,” the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, said.
Police reassure Lagos residents
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP. Moshood Jimoh Olohudare, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry in tracking the suspect.
He assured Lagosians that efforts are ongoing to arrest other gang members connected to the Allen Avenue gold jewellery armed robbery attack.
“Discreet investigation is ongoing. We are determined to ensure that all suspects involved in the Allen Avenue gold jewellery armed robbery attack are brought to justice,” CP Jimoh emphasised.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“The Command warns all criminally minded persons, and those who may be tempted to take to crime, that Lagos has no hiding place for them. Residents should go about their lawful activities without fear,” DSP Oluseyi added.
