The Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja Division, has arrested the leader and two members of a notorious ‘one chance’ gang, a criminal syndicate known for terrorising commuters across the city.
The suspects, 53-year-old Bode Oludayisin, 22-year-old Michael Sowunmi, and 20-year-old David Olawaye, were apprehended when Ikeja Division operatives responded to a distress call while conducting a routine patrol on Agege Motor Road, Ikeja.
In a statement on Monday, the Command’s PPRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest, noting that the gang leader is connected to the rising wave of ‘one chance’ robberies, a criminal method that takes advantage of Lagos’ crowded public transport system.
Advertisement
READ MORE: Fatal Electrocution Claims Life Of Lagos Electrician
“One of the suspects was positively identified as a wanted gang leader linked to a series of violent ‘one chance’ robberies across Lagos.
”Responding swiftly to the distress, the operatives intercepted the suspects inside an unregistered commercial minibus, which has now been confirmed as their operational vehicle.
“Recovered items from the suspects include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several heavy stones suspected to have been used to assault past victims, and a broken bottle, all of which have been registered as exhibits and weapons,” he said.
Hundeyin explained that the gang frequently operates in groups to target and select their victims.
“Investigations revealed that the gang operated using commercial minibuses, commonly known as Korope, pretending to be ordinary passengers. They often picked up unsuspecting commuters from locations such as Oshodi and then diverted them to unknown locations, where victims were robbed under threats, violence, and intimidation.
“Following the breakthrough arrest, the Command’s Special Squad 1 has taken over the case to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle the criminal network,” he said.
The PPRO stated that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for their prompt action, which resulted in the arrest of the wanted gang leader and the dismantling of the gang’s activities.
“He urges members of the public to be extra cautious, avoid boarding unmarked or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08063299264, 09168631003,” Hundeyin said.
