Centre Region: Police parades ex-convicts specialised in robbing financial institutions.

The suspects, police officers said, were arrested following investigations after they robbed a microfinance institution on the night of May 15, breaking 16 in Nkolmetet.

The head of the judicial police service in Nkolmetet, Commissioner Emane Emane, headed investigations that led to the arrest of the suspects. 

Commissioner Emane Emane said the six suspects were fished out in different localities where they had gone into hiding.

Reporters were told that the suspects are ex-convicts who have served different jail terms at the Kondengui Prison in Yaounde. 

Members of the gang included: Ndanga Dominique Charles Daniel, 41, who was identified as the gang leader; Abega Ongah Frank Patrick, 28; Ayissi Ngouma Bernard,35; Ndongo Ondoa Jean Marie, 43, and 33-year-old Eyenga Gabriel Romeo.

In the course of their last operation, known to the police, the suspects, officers said, stole over four million FCFA. 

In addition, the gang is said to have carted away two phones, with over 1.5 million FCFA, in mobile money accounts.

Speaking to the press, Commissioner Emane Emane, warned all those engaged in delinquent activities to desist or face the forces of law and order.

He sent across a message to such persons that “police officers are well equipped with modern equipment provided by the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele, to stop all forms of criminal activities”.

Commissioner Emane Emane further declared that he and his peers, “will continue to hunt criminals”, to ensure the safety of the population and their properties.

The Mayor of Nkolmetet Council, Anaba Mbarga Josephine Solange, said the people of his municipality had gone through hell in the hands of the suspects. 

She said the level of fright among the people of Nkolmetet had reached new heights, since the robbery incident of last month. 

Mayor Mbarga Josephine expressed gratitude to police authorities for coming to the rescue of her municipality. She assured the police of the total support of the population.

Suspects’ mode of operation 

According to police authorities, the suspects had a unique mode of operation. Officers told reporters that the ex-convicts usually use a vehicle, a pliers, nail pullers, hammers, machetes, a crowbar, chisel and string to conduct their operations.

Officers took the suspects to the scene of robbery to re-enact how they break into the financial institution and looted money alongside mobile phones.

It emerged from the re-enactment that the person who was driving the car was the one charged with picking up stolen items once they are thrown out.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Issues No:3140 of Thursday June 13, 2024