The Lagos State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its fight against criminal syndicates, successfully apprehending a dreaded ‘one chance’ gang operating in the Ikeja area of the state. The suspects, identified as 53-year-old Bode Oludayisin, 22-year-old Michael Sowunmi, and 20-year-old David Olawaye, were taken into custody after a swift response by operatives from the Ikeja Division. The arrest occurred while police personnel were on a routine patrol along Agege Motor Road, Ikeja, and responded to a distress call.

According to police sources, the syndicate was actively engaged in robbing a passenger when an alarm was raised. The criminals were operating with an unregistered commercial minibus, commonly referred to as a ‘Korope’, which has since been impounded and registered as their operational vehicle. During the arrest and subsequent search, law enforcement officers recovered several incriminating items from the suspects. These items include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone, confirmed to belong to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, and several heavy stones. These stones are strongly suspected to have been used in assaulting their victims. Additionally, a broken bottle was also recovered, and all retrieved items have been duly registered as exhibits in connection with the case.

Further investigation revealed that one of the arrested suspects had been a long-standing individual on the Command’s wanted list. This individual is believed to be the leader of a notorious gang linked to numerous violent ‘one chance’ robberies that have plagued various parts of Lagos. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, officially confirmed the arrests, expressing his commendation for the prompt and decisive action taken by his officers. He described the operation as a major achievement in the ongoing efforts to dismantle ‘one chance’ syndicates across the state.

Commissioner Jimoh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment, stating, “We will not relent until every member of this criminal network is arrested and prosecuted.” He also issued a strong appeal to the residents of Lagos, urging them to exercise extreme vigilance. He advised citizens to avoid boarding unmarked or suspicious vehicles and to promptly report any strange or suspicious activity to the Police. The Command’s emergency lines, 08063299264 and 09168631003, were provided for such reports, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.