The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a “one chance” robbery syndicate allegedly terrorising commuters around Ago Palace Way in the Okota area of Lagos State.
The command confirmed the arrest in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and shared on X on Sunday.
According to the police, the suspects were intercepted during a stop-and-search operation carried out by operatives along Ago Palace Way, where they were allegedly attempting to dispossess unsuspecting passengers.
The statement read in part, “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested six suspected members of a notorious ‘One Chance’ robbery syndicate, allegedly involved in robbing unsuspecting commuters along Ago Palace Way, Okota area of Lagos State.”
It added that the suspects were apprehended when officers flagged down a tricycle conveying multiple occupants during routine checks in the area.
“The suspects were apprehended following a stop-and-search operation carried out by Police operatives along Ago Palace Way,” the command stated.
Police explained that the suspects were travelling in a tricycle with registration number AAA 720 QL when they were intercepted. Upon sighting the officers, they allegedly attempted to escape.
“During the operation, a tricycle with registration number AAA 720 QL, conveying about six occupants, was intercepted while attempting to rob some citizens. On sighting the Police, the suspects reportedly jumped down and abandoned the tricycle,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the scene included a cutlass and a mobile phone, while a dummy pistol allegedly used in their operations was later discovered during further search.
The command further disclosed the identities of the suspects as Basiru Rilwan (23), Afeez Akeem (25), Ademola Yekeen (20), Sodipo Oyeyemi (27), Ayomide Gafar, and Fabayo Michael (28).
“Further investigation led to the arrest of the six suspects identified as: Basiru Rilwan ‘m’, 23 years; Afeez Akeem ‘m’, 25 years; Ademola Yekeen ‘m’, 20 years; Sodipo Oyeyemi ‘m’, 27 years; Ayomide Gafar ‘m’; and Fabayo Michael ‘m’, 28 years,” the police said.
The statement also confirmed that the suspects were found with a dummy pistol believed to have been used in their criminal activities.
“The suspects were found in possession of a dummy pistol allegedly used in carrying out their criminal activities. The suspects will be charged to court on completion of investigation,” it added.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling violent crimes and ensuring the safety of residents, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and useful information to security agencies.
“The Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Tijani Fatai, will maintain its commitment to sustaining proactive policing strategies aimed at combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the State,” the statement noted.
