The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious “One Chance” robbery syndicate.
The operation, which took place along the Iyana Ipaja axis, also led to the recovery of an operational tricycle and several mobile devices suspected to have been dispossessed from commuters.
The breakthrough occurred during a proactive stop-and-search operation conducted by Command operatives. During the exercise, officers intercepted a tricycle carrying three occupants. A preliminary search of the passengers led to the discovery of three Android phones in the possession of one individual.
Sensing imminent arrest, the tricycle rider attempted a daring escape by zooming off, abandoning his accomplices at the scene. One suspect, identified as Ademola Ibrahim, was immediately apprehended.
Under interrogation, Ibrahim reportedly confessed to his involvement in the “One Chance” syndicate. He detailed their mode of operation, which involved posing as commercial transporters to rob unsuspecting passengers of their valuables. The gang primarily targeted victims across the Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda, and Dopemu areas of the state.
Following intensive investigative leads, police operatives successfully trailed and arrested the fleeing rider, 26-year-old Raheem Lawal. The gang’s operational vehicle, a tricycle with registration number SMK 309 QP, was subsequently seized and taken into police custody.
The case against the suspects strengthened when two victims, who had previously reported robbery incidents in the area, visited the station. The victims successfully identified both the suspects and their stolen mobile phones among the recovered items.
SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, confirmed that investigations remain ongoing to track down and apprehend remaining members of the criminal network.
Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to eradicating violent crime through intelligence-led policing. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate during police procedures, such as stop-and-search operations, which remain vital to public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities via the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.
