I Joined Armed Robbery To Raise my school fees

A student of the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), who is still an undegraduate was arrested for armed robbery, he told the policemen that he joined armed robbery to raise his school fees which his mother could not afford.

The  22-year-old,DELSU suspect, Raphael Ekarebe, who is said to be a  300 level student of the Department of Political Science, was also arrested together alongside

his girlfriend, Endurance Akpore, who is a student of Shaka Polytechnic in neighbouring Edo State.

Ekarebe and his lover were among the  16 suspect who were said to be  paraded by the police force in Asaba for diiferent crimes including raping, kidnapping, armed robbery and dealing in fake currency notes, The Nation reported.

Raphael Ekarebe told police that he only joined the gang just to raise money for his academics because he  has no option.

"he admitted that he is a member of the gang; it was his first time. he is  a student in Delta State University, Abraka, and we are starting our exams soon.

"I participated in the robbery because I was in need of money to pay my school fees which is N25, 000.

"My mother cannot pay my school fees because she has no money."

Ekarebe pleaded for mercy, saying he would not return to a life of crime.

Spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Tina Kalu, said Ekarebe and his gang had terrorized the Ughelli area.

Crime and cultism is very common among students in Delta state.

In July, Onyema Collins, a graduate  and Emmanuel Iwezue, a final year Microbiology student were caught during the the initiation ceremony of new cult member

Also. in September, three former students of DELSU were arraigned on a three count charge of felony, stealing and assault on one  Mr. Ifeanyi Ogu-Raphael, a lecturer.