An undergraduate student of the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), arrested for armed robbery, has said he joined crime to raise his school fees which his mother could not afford..
The 22-year-old, suspect, Raphael Ekarebe, a 300 level student of the Department of Political Science, was arrested together with his girlfriend, Endurance Akpore, a student of Shaka Polytechnic in neighbouring Edo State.
Ekarebe and his lover were among 16 suspect paraded by the police in Asaba for various crimes including crimes , rape, kidnapping, armed robbery and dealing in fake currency notes, The Nation reports.
He told police that he only recently joined the gang just to raise money for his academics.
“I am a member of the gang; it was my first time. I am 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 members.
Early September, five youths have were arrested by the police in Ozoro, Delta state for the gang rape of a female student of the Delta State Polytechnic.
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.
