The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has uncovered the activities of a notorious ‘one-chance’ syndicate operating on Lagos roads, arresting its alleged leader in the process.
The term ‘one-chance’ is widely recognized in Nigeria as a reference to fraudulent schemes or criminal acts where unsuspecting passengers are picked up in buses or taxis, only to be robbed and sometimes violently ejected.
This latest breakthrough occurred along Funsho Williams Avenue in Surulere when LASTMA officers intervened after witnessing a shocking incident involving a female victim.
The victim, identified as Miss Bibian Emelifonwu, narrated her ordeal to authorities. “I boarded the bus thinking it was a regular commercial vehicle,” she explained. However, things took a dramatic turn when a male passenger seated next to her stealthily stole her mobile phone from her bag. “He pretended to open the front door, but before I knew it, they shoved me out of the moving vehicle,” she added.
Luckily, LASTMA officials stationed nearby noticed the commotion and sprang into action. They chased the vehicle and apprehended the driver, later identified as Mr. Toyib Ogunjobi. His accomplices, however, managed to escape.
Revelations From the Arrest
During an initial interrogation, Ogunjobi admitted to being the ringleader of the syndicate. He revealed that his gang frequently operated along the Costain-Ojota route, preying on unsuspecting passengers by luring them with cheap fares. Once onboard, victims were robbed of their valuables and forcibly ejected from the moving bus.
According to Ogunjobi, the syndicate earned between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 daily from the sale of stolen phones and other valuables. “We target busy areas where people are in a hurry and less likely to suspect anything,” he reportedly confessed.
A search of the bus yielded seven stolen mobile phones, including popular brands like Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, and Intel A623. Ogunjobi also revealed that the vehicle’s owner was complicit in the operation, further implicating the wider network behind these criminal activities.
LASTMA’s Swift Action Lauded
Speaking on the incident, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, praised the officers for their vigilance and quick response. “Our officers witnessed the victim being thrown out of the moving bus and acted immediately to ensure justice was served,” he said.
The agency’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in combating such crimes. “We urge residents to be extra cautious when boarding vehicles, especially those that appear too eager to pick up passengers or offer unusually low fares,” he advised.
He assured Lagosians that the arrested suspect would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
A Broader Issue of Urban Crime
The rise of ‘one-chance’ syndicates in Lagos has become a significant concern for residents and authorities alike. These groups exploit the bustling nature of Lagos traffic, where commuters are often in a rush to get to their destinations.
The Lagos State Government has implemented several measures to combat such crimes, including increased surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration between traffic agencies and security operatives. However, the persistence of these syndicates highlights the need for more stringent enforcement.
Implications and Next Steps
Ogunjobi’s arrest marks a significant victory for LASTMA and Lagos residents. However, with his accomplices still at large, authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The police, in collaboration with LASTMA, have vowed to crack down on all forms of criminal activity targeting commuters. Meanwhile, residents are advised to report suspicious vehicles and incidents to the appropriate authorities.
“This is a wake-up call for everyone,” Bakare-Oki concluded. “We must all remain vigilant and proactive to make our city safer for everyone.”
