The Lagos State Police Command’s Ikeja Division operatives apprehended a notorious “one chance” kingpin and two gang members after responding to a distress call during a routine patrol on Agege Motor Road in Ikeja.

According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, three suspects – Bode Oludayisin, 53; Michael Sowunmi, 22; and David Olawaye, 20 – were arrested after a victim alerted the police about being robbed by the syndicate, who were operating from their minibus.

Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh

Oneof the suspects was positively identified as a wanted gang leader linked to a series of violent ‘one chance’ robberies across Lagos.

Responding swiftly to the distress, the operatives intercepted the suspects inside an unregistered commercial minibus, which has now been confirmed as their operational vehicle.

Recovered items from the suspects include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several heavy stones suspected to have been used to assault past victims, and a broken bottle; all of which have been registered as exhibits and weapons.

Investigations showed that the gang used commercial minibuses (Korope) as their modus operandi, masquerading as regular passengers.

The gang would typically pick up unsuspecting commuters from areas like Oshodi, then divert them to secluded locations where they’d rob victims using threats, violence, and intimidation.

Following the breakthrough arrest, the Command’s Special Squad 1 has taken over the case to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle the criminal network.

Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for their quick response, which resulted in the arrest of the notorious kingpin and disruption of the gang’s activities. He advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious vehicles, and report any unusual activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency numbers: 08063299264 and 09168631003.