There is a popular saying that no criminal enterprise lasts forever. No matter how long it takes, the law eventually catches up with those who prey on innocent citizens.
For a notorious Abuja-based “one chance” robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a string of violent attacks, robberies and murders across the Federal Capital Territory, that day has finally arrived.
The gang, allegedly led by Solomon Haruna Abok, popularly known as “Solex,” was dismantled following the arrest of five suspected members of the syndicate. Others arrested include Emmanuel Ibenni, also known as “Markfish”; David Francis; Abdulmajid Hussain; and Faruk Yusuf.
According to police sources, Solex had repeatedly boasted that “no man born of a woman could arrest him.” However, after months of painstaking surveillance and intelligence gathering, operatives eventually tracked him down and brought his reign of terror to an end.
The arrests followed a sustained operation by the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Department, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
During the investigation, detectives compiled complaints from victims and relatives of deceased victims, piecing together what investigators described as a disturbing pattern of organised robbery and violence.
Police records indicate that at least 11 victims have so far identified members of the syndicate and provided details of their experiences.
Investigators alleged that the gang targeted unsuspecting commuters, posing as commercial transport operators before luring victims into their vehicle. Once inside, victims were allegedly threatened with weapons, blindfolded and forced to surrender access to their bank accounts and mobile banking applications.
The gang is accused of stealing more than ₦33 million from at least 10 identified complainants.
Among those affected were: Favour, who reportedly lost ₦2.5 million; Debra, ₦4.5 million; Sandra, ₦800,000; Joan, ₦70,000; Blessing, ₦1.8 million; Chiamaka, ₦2.5 million; Ahuozia, ₦11.5 million; Anita, ₦4.5 million; and Olawatosin, ₦1.5 million.
Investigators further alleged that two women lost their lives during the gang’s operations.
One of the deceased victims, identified as Bridget, reportedly transferred ₦3.5 million to the suspects before she was killed. Another victim, Chinemerem, a nurse, also allegedly died in circumstances linked to the gang’s activities.
Police investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly operated using a blue Honda vehicle with registration number KFU 693 AA. The suspects used a knife to subdue their victims before blindfolding them with black cloth and forcing them to transfer funds from their accounts.
After dispossessing victims of their money and valuables, the gang abandoned them at various locations across the city.
For many of the victims and their families, the arrests represent a significant breakthrough and a step toward justice after months of fear, trauma and loss.
For now, a gang that once appeared untouchable has been brought into custody, and the justice system will determine its fate.
