The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended three suspected members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate in the Ikeja area of the state. The arrest was confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on monday in Lagos.
According to Hundeyin, operatives from the Ikeja Division were on a routine patrol along Agege Motor Road when they responded to a distress call. A victim being robbed in a minibus raised an alarm, leading to the swift apprehension of the suspects.
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as a 53-year-old kingpin and two members of his gang, aged 20 and 22. The successful operation and recovery of the vehicle used for the robberies underscore the police command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety.
“One of the suspects, the 53-year-old, 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,” he said.
Hundeyin stated that items recovered from the suspects included a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlocking bricks, several heavy stones suspected to have been used to assault past victims and a broken bottle.
“All recovered items have been registered as exhibits and weapons,” the spokesperson said.
He stated that investigations revealed the gang operated with commercial minibuses, popularly known as “Korope,” with members disguising themselves as ordinary passengers.
“They often picked up unsuspecting commuters from locations such as Oshodi and diverted them to unknown places, where the victims were robbed through threats, violence and intimidation.
“Following the breakthrough arrest, the Command’s Special Squad I has taken over the case to track down other fleeing members and dismantle the criminal network,” he said.
The spokesperson said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers for their prompt action, which led to the apprehension of the wanted kingpin and the disruption of the gang’s operations.
He added that the CP urged the public to be 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.
