"I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SAFETY": SUSPECT ARRESTED WITH FIREARM WHILE STEALING FOOD IN CROSS RIVER STATE

A suspect arrested while allegedly committing a robbery in Cross River State has sparked widespread reactions online after attempting to justify his possession of an illegal firearm and its subsequent use during a break-in.

​The suspect, an apprentice in aluminum fabrication, was apprehended by local security operatives and residents after he was caught attempting to steal food items. Upon his arrest, law enforcement officers recovered a loaded handgun from his person. During preliminary questioning, the suspect claimed that he originally purchased the weapon for personal security and self-defense against potential aggressors, maintaining that he never intended to harm anyone.

​However, he explained that after discovering his food supplies were exhausted and his mobile phone had been stolen, he decided to deploy the firearm to forcibly obtain food.

​"I’m learning aluminum work. I bought the gun for my own safety in case someone does something that annoys me. I won’t shoot the person, but I will show them that I’m capable of defending myself. Until yesterday, when I discovered that my foodstuff had finished and my phone had been stolen. Immediately, I remembered that I had the gun, so I had to use it to get food."

​Law enforcement authorities in Cross River State have commenced a full investigation into the source of the illicit firearm, warning that economic hardship does not excuse armed robbery or the illegal possession of deadly weapons. The suspect remains in custody pending formal arraignment in court.