The Lagos State Police Command has broken up a criminal gang linked to ‘one chance’ robberies and advance-fee fraud, popularly known as 419, following an operation that led to the arrest of 13 suspects.
The suspects, according to the police, allegedly disguised as commercial drivers, passengers, and traders to deceive and extort unsuspecting commuters across different parts of the state.
Police investigations uncovered a suspected hideout at No. 85 Pipeline Road, close to OPC Junction in the Idimu area of Lagos. The location was said to have been used to detain victims until relatives paid money for their release.
Among those arrested was a recently released ex-convict who had served a four-month prison term. A female suspect who allegedly posed as a prophetess to defraud victims was also taken into custody.
Officers recovered two vehicles believed to have been used for the crimes. The vehicles included a commercial Hiace bus with registration number MAP 523 ZYL and a Toyota car with registration number EPE 209 HY.
During a visit to the premises, the Commissioner of Police discovered items suspected to be connected to the gang’s activities. These included shrines and personal effects believed to belong to victims.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner explained that the group often targeted commuters in the early hours of the day or late at night by presenting themselves as legitimate transport operators or traders.
He said: “Their method is simple but dangerous. If a victim cooperates and parts with money under the guise of a business deal or investment, they are defrauded and released. But if the person resists or becomes suspicious, the gang detains the victim and contacts family members, falsely claiming the individual has been kidnapped, and then demands ransom.”
The police boss added that worshippers on their way to early morning prayers and commuters at bus stops were common targets. He said reports from victims and intelligence findings led to the deployment of surveillance teams and the setting up of tactical checkpoints in identified areas.
“Three principal suspects were initially intercepted, including ringleaders, and they led operatives to the gang’s base. Subsequent searches yielded incriminating items, while further raids resulted in the arrest of 10 additional suspects, bringing the total to 13,” he said.
According to him, the syndicate had operated for over eight years and used several vehicles, reportedly up to six, including unmarked buses and a Toyota Sienna, to pick up victims in different locations. He added that some victims were threatened or overpowered with weapons to force compliance.
While assuring residents that efforts were underway to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle similar groups, the Commissioner clarified that the cases did not amount to kidnapping in Lagos.
He said: “What we are dealing with are organised ‘one chance’ gangs who seize people in transit and extort money from their families.”
He advised commuters to stay alert, avoid suspicious vehicles, and exercise caution when using public transport.
“Be conscious of your surroundings. Do not rush into any vehicle. If you feel uncomfortable, wait. Personal vigilance is your first line of defence,” he said.
Some of the suspects admitted their involvement during interrogation and explained how victims were allegedly lured in various parts of the city.
One of the principal suspects, Tina Williams, who said she is from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, spoke about how she was arrested.
She said she was not a regular member of the group and claimed she became involved due to hardship.
She said, “I was not working with them steadily. My husband died and I was suffering. I came to meet my brother and he introduced me to the business.
“This man (pointing to one of the suspects) took me to Bode Thomas for the operation. A woman later raised an alarm and called area boys, claiming the man had duped her of millions. That was how we were arrested.”
It was learnt that the woman who raised the alarm had earlier been held against her will, with millions of naira allegedly collected from her family before her release.
Another suspect, Emmanuel Njoku, aged 60 and from Abia State, said he had been involved in what he described as the “business” for about eight years.
He said, “Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. I was arrested at Bode Thomas. We went there to pick passengers going to any part of Lagos.
“When passengers boarded, this woman would claim she was carrying dollars. Anyone who was greedy would engage her in conversation and we would lure them.”
Also speaking, Ogbona Amos from Rivers State denied that the shrine found at the location was used for criminal activities.
He said, “I use the shrine for church work. I stayed with my friend, Rotimi (one of the suspects). We bring customers here.
“We are into 419. We have many offices and people come at any time. We have six different vehicles stationed at different locations and we own them. We collect money from victims; sometimes we get N100,000 or more.”
