Police parade ‘One Chance’ robbers, recover phone memory cards

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command today paraded members of a ‘one chance’ criminal syndicate terrorising the city.

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The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, who paraded the three suspects alongside several others, said that the arrest of the suspected criminals was part of the command’s commitment to rid the FCT of the daredevil ‘one chance’ syndicates.

He said that the paraded suspects were linked to a network reportedly led by one Friday Ogwuche, who is now at large.

“Operating from the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, the syndicate extended its activities to densely populated areas of the FCT.

“These arrests represent a significant stride in the command’s fight against organized crime, with ongoing investigations to apprehend accomplices and bring the fugitive leader to justice,” Disu said.

The apprehended suspects, he said, include Abba Godwin, 42, from Benue State.

“A member of the syndicate for three months, Abba played the role of a fake passenger to lure unsuspecting victims. The group’s operating line is the Mararaba axis, AY Junction, Kubwa Express, and other locations. He admitted to earning between ₦20,000 and ₦40,000 daily from their operations.

“Abraham Anthony, 27, from Kaduna State, joined the gang in August 2024. He confessed to targeting commuters during early morning rush hours at locations like Nyanya Market and Area 1. He earned an average of ₦40,000 per operation.

“Moses Obi, from Cross River State, a seasoned member since June 2024, identified potential victims at crowded bus stops and marketplaces. He also provided information on their primary driver, nicknamed ‘Dangote,’ recruited by the gang leader,” the CP disclosed.

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Disu also revealed that a notable trend identified during ongoing operations is that most vehicles used by the syndicates are tinted, making it easier for the criminals to conceal their activities and avoid detection.

He, however, said that the command has dismantled key syndicates, apprehended suspects, and recovered crucial exhibits.

These achievements, he said, underscored the command’s staunch commitment to protecting residents, especially during the Yuletide season when criminal activities typically spike.

Additionally, Disu has moved to halt rising security threats in the territory by seeking collaboration with the military and paramilitary agencies domiciled in the FCT to tackle the growing crime in the capital city.

Disu yesterday embarked on a series of familiarization visits to key security stakeholders in Abuja.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that the FCT Police Commissioner visited the Commander, Guards Brigade, Commander 053 NAF Camp, the Commandant NSCDC, the State Director of Security, and the Commander Naval Unit, Abuja.

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The courtesy visits, she said, are part of the ongoing effort to strengthen collaboration among security agencies within the Federal Capital Territory.

“During these engagements, CP Disu emphasized the importance of fostering inter-agency cooperation, enhancing synergy, and building mutual understanding to effectively address the rising security challenges facing the FCT and its environs.

“CP Disu highlighted the significance of strong partnerships among security agencies in ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the FCT,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police also extended his gratitude to the heads of all sister security agencies for their hospitality, pledging his continued collaboration in the pursuit of a secure and peaceful FCT.