Lagos Police arrest two “One Chance” suspects, recover tricycle, stolen phones

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of a notorious “one chance” robbery syndicate allegedly operating across parts of the state, with an operational tricycle and suspected stolen mobile phones recovered.

The suspects were arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation along Iyana Ipaja Road, where a tricycle conveying three occupants was intercepted for inspection.

During the search, one of the occupants was found in possession of three Android phones suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting commuters. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the tricycle rider suddenly sped off, abandoning the other occupants at the scene. One of the abandoned suspects was immediately arrested and identified as Ademola Ibrahim.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate popularly known as “one chance,” which specialises in dispossessing commuters of their valuables along Idimu, Iyana Ipaja, Egbeda, and Dopemu axis of Lagos State.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate popularly known as ‘One Chance,’ which specialises in dispossessing unsuspecting commuters of their valuables,” the statement read.

The Command further disclosed that follow-up investigation led to the arrest of the fleeing tricycle rider, identified as Raheem Lawal, aged 26, while the operational tricycle with registration number SMK 309 QP was also recovered.

It added that two victims who had earlier reported similar robbery incidents in the area were able to identify the suspects as members of the gang, as well as the recovered phones.

The police said investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and ensure they are brought to justice.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said the Command remains dedicated to intelligence-led policing and sustained operations aimed at eliminating violent crime across the state.

“The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid Lagos of robbery and other violent crimes,” he stated.