A Nigerian national who was arrested in New York on Monday for robbing four banks was not employed by the UN at the time he committed the robberies, contrary to earlier reports.
A UN security document obtained by SaharaReporters shows that the robber, Abdullahi Shuaibu, is still in possession of an expired UN pass, which he used to gain access to the premises. The document notes that he is barred from entering the UN, designating him as violent. A UN spokesperson told DNAinfo, a local online newspaper, that Mr. Shuaibu worked at the UN as a resident correspondent in October and November 2013, after which his UN pass expired. Before that, Mr. Shuaibu worked as a UN correspondent for the News Agency of Nigeria until 2012.
The spokesperson also denied earlier reports that he was arrested at the UN headquarters. Police said he was arrested at the Foreign Press Centre, just across the street from the headquarters.
Mr. Shuaibu was docked for his crimes in a New York court on Wednesday. He was charged with stealing a total of $10,000 and ordered to be remanded on a $150,000 bond or $75,000 cash bail.
Prosecutors said the perpetrator would thank tellers for their “understanding” after robbing them.
SR
