By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria – Federal Capital Territory Police Command today, Thursday December 12th, 2024 paraded arrested robbery syndicate suspects.
Parading the suspects and exhibits, the Command Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu said, “In a continuous effort to eradicate the activities of “one-chance” robbery syndicates terrorizing commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the tactical team of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, under the leadership of CP Olatunji Disu, has made significant progress in its ongoing operations. The breakthroughs were achieved through robust intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted interventions.
“A notable trend identified during these operations is that most vehicles used by the syndicates are tinted, making it easier for the criminals to conceal their activities and avoid detection. The Command has dismantled key syndicates, apprehended suspects, and recovered crucial exhibits.
Below is the full briefing:
PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FCT, CP OLATUNJI RILWAN DISU, PSC, ON 12th DECEMBER 2024.
PROTOCOL…
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
Once again, I welcome you all to the FCT Police Command today to brief you on the command’s recent achievements. Last week, I stood here to brief you on the recent successes recorded by the command in its fight against crime and criminality, particularly the armed robber ‘one chance’ menace.
In a continuous effort to eradicate the activities of “one-chance” robbery syndicates terrorizing commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the tactical team of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, under the leadership of CP Olatunji Disu, has made significant progress in its ongoing operations. The breakthroughs were achieved through robust intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted interventions.
A notable trend identified during these operations is that most vehicles used by the syndicates are tinted, making it easier for the criminals to conceal their activities and avoid detection. The Command has dismantled key syndicates, apprehended suspects, and recovered crucial exhibits.
These achievements underscore the Command’s staunch commitment to protecting residents, especially during the Yuletide season when criminal activities typically spike. The following are details of these landmark operations:
1. ARREST OF NOTORIOUS SYNDICATE MEMBERS AND RECOVERY OF EXHIBITS
Background of the Operation
As part of the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu’s commitment to rid the FCT of the dare-devil “one-chance” syndicates, police of the FCT Command operatives apprehended three key suspects linked to a network reportedly led by one Friday Ogwuche, who is now at large. Operating from the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, the syndicate extended its activities to densely populated areas of the FCT. These arrests represent a significant stride in the Command’s fight against organized crime, with ongoing investigations to apprehend accomplices and bring the fugitive leader to justice.
Details of Arrests
The suspects include:
– Abba Godwin (42, from Benue State): A member of the syndicate for three months, Abba played the role of a fake passenger to lure unsuspecting victims. The group operating line is Maraba axis, AY junction , Kubuwa express and etc. He admitted to earning between ₦20,000 and ₦40, 000 daily from their operations.
– Abraham Anthony (27, from Kaduna State): Abraham, who joined the gang in August 2024, confessed to targeting commuters during early morning rush hours at locations like Nyanya Market and Area 1. His earnings averaged ₦40 000 per operation.
– Moses Obi (from Cross River State): A seasoned member since June 2024, Moses identified potential victims at crowded bus stops and marketplaces. He also provided information on their primary driver, nicknamed “Dangote,” recruited by the gang leader.
Exhibits Recovered
Upon their arrest, their operational vehicles; One (1) Green colored golf three car with Reg. No. TRN 647 AA, and one ash colored Peugeot 406 car with Reg. No. ABJ 145 LQ, were recovered from them.
2. Arrest of Robbery/One-Chance Suspects and Recovery of Vehicles
Details of the Operation
A targeted operation led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be active members of another notorious “one-chance” syndicate:
– Moses Steven (23, from Benue State): Residing in the North Bank area, Moses admitted to joining the syndicate in December 2023. He revealed that he traveled to Abuja during festive periods to collaborate with other members organized by a ringleader, “Baba Peter,” based in Jos, Plateau State.
– Jude Simon: Simon confessed to being involved in robbery operations for over a year, primarily targeting commuters entering the FCT in the early morning hours.
– Terfa Akaaer (from Benue State): A taxi driver residing near Mararaba Park, Terfa admitted to collaborating with the gang when recruited by “Baba Peter.” He disclosed their strategy of filling vehicles with accomplices while leaving one seat vacant to lure unsuspecting victims.
Exhibits Recovered
Upon their arrest, their operational vehicles; One (1) Green colored golf three car with Reg. No. TRN 647 AA, and one ash colored Peugeot 406 car with Reg. No. ABJ 145 LQ, were recovered from them.
3. ARREST OF HYACINTH AVETSE AND RECOVERY OF VEHICLES
Details of the Operation
In another significant breakthrough, police arrested Hyacinth Avetse, a prominent member of a high-profile “one-chance” syndicate, at the Area 1 Roundabout.
– Hyacinth admitted to joining the syndicate in February 2023 and revealed that he had earned over ₦1.4 million from their operations.
– His arrest provided critical leads that have advanced investigations into other syndicate members.
Exhibits Recovered
He was apprehended with two of their operational vehicles; one (1) green colored Lexus saloon vehicle with no registration number in front, and one blue colored Toyota corolla with Reg. No. GWA 295 JS. Three (3) POS machines, five (5) laptops, three (3) phones, one hundred and nine (109) memory cards, two hundred and three (203) dollars, several bags with cloths were also recovered from him.
Recorded success against one chance for the week,
EXHIBITS RECOVERED
1. Total number of vehicles paraded – thirteen (13).
2. Total number of suspects paraded – seven (7).
3. Three (3) POS Machines.
4. Five (5) laptops.
5. Three (3) phones.
6. Two hundred and three (203) dollars.
7. One hundred and nine (109) phone memory cards.
8. One (1) blindfold.
9. One (1) plier.
Public Safety Advisory
The FCT Police Command urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Community intelligence remains vital in combating crime and ensuring the safety of all. These recent arrests reaffirm the Command’s dedication to creating a secure environment for residents and commuters across the territory, throughout this Yuletide season and beyond.
