Two suspected “One Chance” robbers have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command following a stop-and-search operation that led to the recovery of suspected stolen phones and an operational tricycle in Lagos.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command during a routine stop-and-search exercise along Iyana Ipaja Road.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operatives intercepted a tricycle carrying three occupants for a search during the operation.
“During the search, one of the occupants was found in possession of three Android phones reasonably suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims,” the police spokesperson stated.
Adebisi explained that while the search was ongoing, the tricycle rider suddenly sped off, abandoning the other occupants at the scene.
“One of the occupants was immediately arrested and later identified as Ademola Ibrahim,” Adebisi said.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate popularly known as “One Chance,” which specialises in dispossessing unsuspecting commuters of their valuables, particularly mobile phones.
“The suspect confessed that the gang operates mainly around Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda, and Dopemu areas of Lagos State,” the statement added.
Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of the fleeing tricycle rider, identified as 26-year-old Raheem Lawal.
Police operatives also recovered the operational tricycle allegedly used by the suspects to carry out their criminal activities. The tricycle bears registration number SMK 309 QP.
Meanwhile, two victims who had earlier reported separate incidents of “One Chance” robbery along the affected axis reportedly identified the suspects as members of the gang.
“The victims positively identified the suspects and also identified their stolen phones recovered from them,” Adebisi disclosed.
The Command stated that investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen items linked to the group’s operations.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating violent crime and protecting residents, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, assured Lagosians that the police would sustain intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention operations across the state.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to eradicating robbery and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, continuous raids, and strategic operations against criminal elements,” the statement noted.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting police operations.
He further advised members of the public to remain calm and cooperative during stop-and-search exercises conducted by security operatives across the state.
