The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended three individuals accused of impersonating police and Department of State Services (DSS) officers in a series of “one chance” robberies across Abuja. The arrests, announced by FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, were part of a crackdown on a larger network of 12 suspects linked to similar crimes throughout the region.
According to Disu, these three suspects were part of a gang that targeted unsuspecting commuters, posing as police or DSS officers to lure victims into a vehicle before abducting them and demanding ransoms. Disu stated, “They pick up unsuspecting victims and take them to unknown locations, demanding ransom for their release.”
The arrests were initiated on October 12 after complaints were filed by two victims, Jeremiah David and Amaka Humina, at the Anti-One Chance Office. The victims reported being stopped by the suspects, who were driving a white Toyota Camry with registration number ABJ 221 BV, while traveling from Keffi to Abuja. Posing as DSS officers, the suspects forcibly removed the victims from the car, drove them to an unknown location, and pressured them to contact family members for ransom money.
The suspects managed to transfer ₦400,000 from the victims’ accounts using their phones and also took valuable items, including an iPhone 14 Pro Max, an iPhone 15 Pro, a Samsung S20, and a Samsung S8 Plus. Following a swift investigation, police operatives tracked down the suspects, resulting in their arrest. Six vehicles, allegedly used for their operations, and a locally made Beretta pistol were recovered.
In a related incident, Disu revealed that a Golf III Saloon vehicle used by a different “one chance” gang was found burning in the Kubwa area on October 30, with the suspected gang leader inside. The command is investigating both cases as part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks preying on FCT residents.
These arrests mark a significant step in curbing “one chance” robberies, a common crime in Abuja involving criminals posing as commuters or officials to trap victims. The FCT Police Command continues its efforts to enhance public safety and advises residents to remain cautious while traveling.
