Two suspected members of a notorious “One Chance” robbery syndicate have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, while an operational tricycle allegedly used in carrying out their criminal activities and suspected stolen mobile phones were also recovered.
The Command disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by police operatives along Iyana Ipaja Road in Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspects were intercepted while travelling in a tricycle conveying three occupants.
During the search, one of the occupants was found in possession of three Android phones suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting passengers. However, while the search was ongoing, the tricycle rider reportedly sped off, abandoning the other occupants at the scene.
“One of the occupants was subsequently arrested and identified as Ademola Ibrahim,” the statement noted.
Police said that during interrogation, Ibrahim confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate popularly known as “One Chance,” a criminal group known for dispossessing unsuspecting commuters of their valuables, particularly mobile phones, in areas including Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda, and Dopemu.
The statement added, “The suspect confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate popularly known as ‘One Chance’, which specialises in dispossessing unsuspecting commuters of their valuables.”
Lagos Police Continue Crackdown on “One Chance” Criminal Gang
Further investigations led to the arrest of the fleeing tricycle rider, identified as 26-year-old Raheem Lawal. The police also recovered the operational tricycle allegedly used by the suspects, with registration number SMK 309 QP.
The Command revealed that two victims who had earlier reported incidents of “One Chance” robbery along the same axis positively identified the suspects as members of the gang. They also identified their stolen phones recovered from the suspects.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate and ensure they are brought to justice.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Lagos State Police Command stated that it would continue to sustain intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention strategies, and regular raids against criminal elements across the state.
“The Lagos State Police Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention strategies, and continuous raids against criminal elements in order to ensure the safety and security of all residents across the State,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, also reiterated the Command’s determination to eradicate robbery and other violent crimes in Lagos.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, stay calm during stop-and-search operations, and continue to support the police by providing timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines.
