The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime.
Three suspects linked to a notorious “one-chance” syndicate have been arrested in Abuja.
The suspects include Abba Godwin, Abraham Anthony, and Moses Obi.
Their alleged leader, Friday Ogwuche, is reportedly on the run.
The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this at a press briefing on Thursday.
He revealed that the suspects operated from Mararaba in Nasarawa State, extending their activities to Abuja.
“This arrest represents a significant stride in our battle against organised crime,” Disu stated.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down Ogwuche and other accomplices.
Abba Godwin, 42, confessed to being a fake passenger for the gang.
His job was to lure unsuspecting victims into the gang’s vehicles.
Godwin admitted to earning up to N40,000 daily from the illicit operations.
Abraham Anthony, 27, also played a key role in the criminal network.
He targeted commuters during the busy early-morning rush at hotspots like Nyanya Market and Area 1.
His average take per operation was around N40,000.
Moses Obi, another member of the group, joined the syndicate in June 2024.
He helped identify potential victims at crowded bus stops and markets.
Police recovered two operational vehicles from the suspects:
- A green Golf 3 car with registration number TRN 647 AA.
- An ash Peugeot 406 car with registration number ABJ 145 LQ.
In another raid, the police arrested members of another “one-chance” gang.
The suspects included Moses Steven, Jude Simon, and Terfa Akaaer.
Steven confessed to joining the gang in December 2023.
He revealed that he only traveled to Abuja during festive seasons to commit crimes.
Simon, who has been active in the gang for over a year, primarily targeted early-morning commuters.
Akaaer, a taxi driver, admitted to collaborating with the syndicate when recruited by their ringleader, “Baba Peter.”
The gang’s tactic involved filling vehicles with accomplices while leaving one seat vacant to attract victims.
During the operation, police recovered vehicles used by this group as well.
In another significant arrest, police nabbed Hyacinth Avetse at the Area 1 Roundabout.
Avetse, a prominent member of a high-profile syndicate, joined the group in February 2023.
He revealed that he had made over N1.4 million from their criminal activities.
His arrest led to the recovery of more items, including:
- A green Lexus saloon car without a front registration number.
- A blue Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 295 JS.
- Three POS machines.
- Five laptops.
- Three mobile phones.
- 109 memory cards.
- 203 US dollars.
“We are determined to rid the FCT of criminal elements,” Disu assured.
The arrests have brought relief to Abuja residents, who have long been terrorized by such gangs.
One commuter, Jane Eze, expressed gratitude for the police’s efforts.
“Finally, we can breathe a little easier,” she said.
