Operatives from the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested the leader and two members of the notorious ‘one chance’ gang, a violent crime syndicate that terrorised commuters across the city.
The suspects, 53-year-old Bode Oludayisin, 22-year-old Michael Sowunmi, and 20-year-old David Olawaye, were nabbed after operatives of the Ikeja Division responded to a distress call while on routine patrol along Agege Motor Road, Ikeja.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the Command’s PPRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the gang leader is linked to the growing menace of ‘one chance’ robberies, a crime tactic exploiting Lagos’ overcrowded public transport system.
“One of the suspects 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.
“Recovered items from the suspects include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several heavy stones suspected to have been used to assault past victims, and a broken bottle, all of which have been registered as exhibits and weapons,” he said.
Hundeyin said the gang often operate to pick their victims.
“Investigations revealed that the gang operated using commercial minibuses, commonly known as Korope, pretending to be ordinary passengers. They often picked up unsuspecting commuters from locations such as Oshodi and then diverted them to unknown locations, where victims were robbed under threats, violence, and intimidation.
“Following the breakthrough arrest, the Command’s Special Squad 1 has taken over the case to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle the criminal network,” he said.
The PPRO said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers for their swift response, which led to the arrest of the wanted kingpin and the disruption of the gang’s operations.
“He urges members of the public to be extra 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,” Hundeyin said.
