Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Andrew Bagala
Published on 2024-01-29 14:03:14
A boda boda rider, identified as Ivan Lukungu, alias Pallaso, 26, has been arrested in Masaka City for his alleged involvement in the Shs2.2b robbery at Ambassador Barbara Nekesa’s home. This arrest brings the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the robbery to 13. Lukungu, who had been living large in Masaka City, was captured by officers from the Crime Intelligence Directorate led by Mr Ismael Ssennono.
According to police spokesperson Fred Enanga, Pallaso is alleged to have fled with an unknown amount of money after the planned robbery, which involved police officers guarding Amb Nekesa’s home. Twelve of Lukungu’s alleged accomplices have already been arrested, produced in court, and remanded.
In Masaka City, Lukungu reportedly spent the stolen cash buying a house, a Toyota Harrier, establishing a restaurant, marrying a woman, and setting up an electronic shop. He also invested in a plot of land in the area. However, the police have since seized all the property allegedly purchased using the stolen money.
The investigation revealed that Lukungu, along with other suspects, executed the robbery plan at Ambassador Nekesa’s residence, allegedly disabled the alarm system and electric fence, and manipulated the CCTV cameras with the help of a police constable. The suspects then entered the residence, robbed guns, and threatened the ambassador before taking the money and fleeing the scene.
Pallaso confessed to being called by Arinda, one of the accomplices, on the day of the robbery. He detailed his involvement in transporting the stolen money and the subsequent purchases he made with the loot.
As the investigation continues, detectives have taken statements from Lukungu’s new wife, property sellers, and relatives, as he awaits trial for his alleged participation in the high-profile robbery.
