Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a notorious syndicate involved in ‘one chance’ robberies and 419 scams, arresting 13 suspects, including an ex-convict and a woman posing as a prophetess. The gang impersonated drivers, passengers, and traders to deceive and extort victims, holding them hostage until ransom was paid.

Police investigations led to a hideout at No. 85 Pipeline Road, Idimu, where victims were held captive. Two vehicles, shrines, and personal belongings of victims were recovered. The Commissioner of Police explained that the syndicate targeted commuters, especially worshippers and those at bus stops, using intimidation and weapons.

“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,” he said.

The Commissioner added that worshippers heading for early morning prayers and commuters waiting at bus stops were frequent targets. Intelligence reports and complaints prompted police to deploy surveillance teams and establish checkpoints. “Three principal suspects were initially intercepted, 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,” the CP said.

According to him, the syndicate had operated for more than eight years, using multiple vehicles, reportedly up to six, including unmarked buses and a Toyota Sienna, to pick up victims across different locations in the state. Some victims were intimidated or subdued with weapons to force compliance.

The Commissioner clarified that the incidents didn’t amount to kidnapping in Lagos, but rather “organised ‘one chance’ gangs who seize people in transit and extort money from their families”. He urged commuters to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious vehicles, and exercise caution when boarding 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 advised.

Some suspects confessed involvement, describing how they lured victims. Tina Williams, a principal suspect, said she became involved due to personal hardship. “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 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.”

Emmanuel Njoku, 60, said he had been involved for about 8 years, targeting greedy passengers. “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.”

Ogbona Amos claimed the shrine was for church work, but admitted to being involved in 419 scams, using multiple vehicles and collecting money from victims. “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.”