Police bust ‘one-chance’ syndicate in Abuja

Operatives of the FCT Police Command have busted an armed robbery “one-chance” syndicate in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday during the parade of suspects at the command headquarters.

He explained that the FCT Police Command, in its continuous effort to rid the FCT of all forms of crime and criminality, had arrested twelve armed robbery suspects, commonly known as “one-chance” operators. Additionally, six vehicles believed to be their operational vehicles were recovered, along with one locally made Beretta pistol.

The arrested suspects include Joseph John Odeh, Moses Elachi, Mathias Agbogo, Ali Bukar Gana, Muhammed Inusa, Muhammed Adamu, Abbas Rabiu, Suleiman Lawal, Aminu Auwal, Ibrahim Shehu, Abbah Mohammed, and Abdulkarim Mohammed.

According to the Commissioner, the first three suspects were members of a gang of one-chance operators who specialize in impersonating police and DSS officers.

Their modus operandi involves picking up unsuspecting victims, driving them to unknown locations, and demanding ransom for their release.

Their operations came to a halt on 12 October 2024, following a complaint lodged by Jeremiah David and Amaka Humina, both from Nasarawa State.

The victims reported that they were stopped by three men in a white Toyota Camry with registration number ABJ 221 BV while traveling from Keffi to Abuja.

The suspects, posing as DSS officers, forcibly removed the victims from their vehicle and drove them to an undisclosed location.

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They demanded the victims call their families for money to secure their release. During the ordeal, the suspects transferred ₦400,000 from the victims and stole several valuables, including an iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung S20, and Samsung S8 Plus. After receiving the complaint, police operatives from the FCT Command tracked and arrested the suspects.

In a related operation on 30 October 2024, at about 02:00 AM, a Golf III saloon vehicle used by suspected one-chance operators was set on fire near the NYSC Junction in Kubwa.

The gang leader, known only as GIWA, was reported to be among those caught. Police operatives who responded to the scene were told by locals that a group of one-chance operators, who had been terrorizing the Kubwa area, were apprehended and set ablaze.

Three other gang members managed to escape into nearby bushes. Following this, police launched a manhunt and arrested the remaining members of the gang, Ali Bukar Gana, Muhammed Inusa, and Muhammed Adamu—at their hideout in the Malaysia IDP Camp in Apo Mechanic Village on 31 October 2024.

During questioning, the suspects confessed to being part of the notorious one-chance syndicate led by GIWA, who is now deceased. They revealed that they had been operating along the AYA to Zuba expressway for over a year.

The suspects admitted to impersonating personnel from various security agencies to defraud unsuspecting citizens. They stated that their criminal activities spanned over two years and took place on different routes within the FCT.

Several exhibits were recovered from the suspects, including various unregistered vehicles, a locally made Beretta pistol, live ammunition, knives, and ropes.

The Commissioner assured residents of the FCT that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property. He confirmed that the suspects would be charged in court after the conclusion of investigations, and justice would be pursued.

He also expressed his gratitude to the officers and men of the FCT Command for their dedication and bravery, promising that efforts would continue until the FCT is free from all forms of criminal activity.