The Uganda Police have arrested a 28-year-old man who had been preying on women through Facebook, arranging dates with them, and ultimately robbing them at knifepoint.
During a security press conference today, January 2, 2024 Police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga unveiled the suspect’s photograph, informing the public about the successful arrest.
“We have apprehended the individual responsible. Our crime intelligence teams in Kampala Metropolitan Division, supported by Kampala Metropolitan Northern Wakiso, have arrested Odonkara Steven, a 28-year-old electrician from Bulagapi village in Wakiso, for a series of knife point robberies targeting female victims that he met on Facebook,” revealed Enanga.
According to Enanga, the suspect initiated contact with Nnamie Rajemima on November 14, 2023, through Facebook. They engaged in conversations that blossomed into a romantic relationship, ultimately leading to a planned date in Kasasa Buraga Village.
“During their meeting, Odonkara Steven confronted her while they were on their way,” Enanga stated.
He further detailed that on November 22, the victim reported the incident to Najanakumbi Police station.
“She promptly reported the matter to the police, enabling us to initiate the tracking of the suspect. We successfully apprehended him on the 27th of last week. The suspect, Odonkara Steven, admitted to enticing women and girls on Facebook with the intent to rob them,” he said.
The police have issued a warning to women and others seeking romantic connections online, urging them to exercise caution when meeting individuals from dating sites.
“In this case, the suspect admitted to robbing all the victims after establishing contact and conversing with them on Facebook. Upon meeting, the victims were coerced into surrendering their bags, phones, and other valuables. Some of the victims even suffered physical harm,” Enanga said.
Young females have been advised by the police to arrange meetings in public places, preferably with others around, and share the contact details and photographs of their dates with trusted friends.