Five Suspects Detained in Sh94.9 Million Quickmart Heist Investigation

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Five suspects allegedly involved in the Sh94.9 million Quickmart Heist are being sought by the State Prosecution, who filed an affidavit at the Milimani law courts requesting their detention pending investigations. The case involves a criminal offense of conspiracy to commit a felony, according to Inspector Michael Kimilu.

The investigation was prompted by a report from George Jaramba on behalf of Wells Fargo Limited, which was made at the Akila police station. It was discovered that a significant amount of money, totaling Sh94 million, had been stolen from Quickmart Supermarket while being transported to a local bank. The perpetrators were identified as employees of Wells Fargo.

The offense took place shortly after the cash-in-transit vehicle had departed from Fargo House in South C, as stated by Kimilu. The suspects, in coordination with unidentified accomplices, carried out the theft. A motor vehicle was found abandoned with its engine running at the crime scene along the Southern bypass in South C.

Further investigation revealed that the consignment of cash, stored in three blue metallic boxes, was missing. The crew commander, Daniel Mugetha, and the driver, Antony Ndiuki, were reported missing, with their mobile phone numbers switched off. Analysis of the incident led to the identification of a white motor vehicle, which was spotted trailing the Wells Fargo van and later made away with the stolen consignment.

The investigation team conducted both day and night search operations, leading to the arrest of Ismael Patrick Gitonga, the owner of the vehicle, in Ongata Rongai. Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of two other suspects, Michael Matolo Njeru and Samuel Onyango, who were found in the process of modifying the vehicle in the Njiru Chokaa area.

Further progress was made following the interrogation of Njeru and Onyango, leading to the arrest of Martin Nderi Nganga. Authorities discovered Sh9,101,300 during a search at Nganga’s rented premises in Kasarani. James Mbatia Kariuki, an employee of Wells Fargo Limited, was also arrested following leads obtained from Patrick Gitonga.

The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracing, apprehending, and recovering the remaining Sh85 million. The suspects are considered a flight risk, having been on the run since November 6 before their arrests. There is concern that they may use the stolen funds to flee the country.

Intelligence gathered by investigators suggests that there were plans for the suspects to leave the country shortly before their arrest. Tracing the suspects has proven challenging, as they are actively hiding and aware of the ongoing pursuit.

State prosecutor Abel Omariba requested the court to grant 21 days to allow for the analysis of mobile phones recovered from the suspects. The search of their known and related residences is also yet to be conducted for further recovery of the stolen money.

The suspects, however, pleaded their innocence and requested to be released on bail while the investigations continue. Their lawyers also claimed that the suspects had been subjected to torture, with James Mbatia Kariuki unable to walk.

Milimani Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul granted the police 10 days to detain the suspects, citing the significant amount of money involved in the heist as justification. The suspects have been remanded at Capitol Hill Police Station..