Suspected armed men yesterday invaded the Ikeja residence of the late MKO Abiola and carted away valuables, including money in foreign currencies. It was gathered that the robbers gained access into the house through a nearby canal and escaped through the fence of the building.

Lagos State police spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident to newsmen on telephone. He said the command would soon come up with details of the incident.

According to him: “I can confirm it is true. I am trying to get the full details, but I can assure you we will get the robbers. Our findings from the wife of MKO Abiola also revealed that it could be the handwork of insiders who work in that house. We will not consider it as armed robbery. It is a case of stealing, breaking and entering. We are still investigating the incident.”

Seven domestic staff suspected to have connived with the criminals have also been arrested over the incident and they are being quizzed by detectives at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Command.

A source at the state command headquarters said: “We are suspecting that there may be insiders’ link to the robbery, although we have not established that. We invited the domestic servants for quizzing. I can assure you that we will get the real robbers.”

In a statement by Tundun Abiola, it stated: “In the early hours of Tuesday, September 2, armed men invaded and ransacked the residence of Chief MKO Abiola in Ikeja, Lagos.

“The hoodlums subjected the family to extreme emotional torture and harassment and stole cash and other valuable items belonging to the family. The police have since been informed. The crime is being investigated. We are consoled by the fact that no life was lost in this unfortunate and frightening incident.

“We give glory to Almighty Allah and we thank friends and family members across the world who have called and sent messages of support and solidarity.”