How Chukwuma, the “Blue Cloth Bandit”, was arrested for armed robberies in U.S after lavish wedding party (Pictures/Video)

October 8, 2022

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How Chukwuma, the “Blue Cloth Bandit”, was arrested for armed robberies in U.S after lavish wedding party (Pictures/Video)

A Nigerian-American serial armed robber, Charles Chukwuma Onwuemelie, aka Blue Cloth Bandit was arrested Saturday, 24 September, 2022 at his residence in Quartz Hill for over 60 armed robbery cases.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who made the announcement said since October 2021, there had been a total of 68 armed business robberies linked to the 29-year-old suspect.

He was said to have been arrested three months after having an elaborate wedding ceremony in Los Angeles, California.

Onwuemelie was dubbed as the “Blue Cloth Bandit,” because he usually use a blue cloth to cover his handgun during his robbery operations.

In a statement, the LAPD said, “Since October of 2021, there have been a total of 68-armed business robberies attributed by investigators to the same suspect. The robberies have occurred throughout Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Investigators from RHD were assigned to investigate the 16 robberies that occurred inside City boundaries.

“During their investigation, RHD detectives discovered that the suspect commonly used a blue cloth to cover the handgun used in the robberies that occurred at gas stations, 7-11s and Walmarts.

“The suspect would conceal himself by wearing different hats, a face mask, and rubber gloves. The same vehicle was used in many of the robberies, and the same suspect was linked to the robberies based on several factors.

“When the suspect struck again on Friday, September 23rd, detectives formulated a plan, initiated surveillance and ultimately served a search and arrest warrant.

“Charles Chukwuma Onwuemelie, a 29-year-old resident of Quartz Hill was arrested at his residence. Evidence further linking him to the robberies was also recovered at scene, including a firearm.”

According to reports, on September 27, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed 16 counts of 211 P.C. – Robbery, for the robberies that occurred in the City of Los Angeles and that additional charges will be filed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department related to the robberies that occurred within LA County borders.

LIB reports that Charles and his wife, Chinonyelum Stephanie Onwuasor, met in a church in 2012 while Stephanie was volunteering as a teacher’s aide in confirmation class.