LASTMA nabs ‘One Chance’ syndicate in Surulere

…Recovers 7 stolen phones

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a notorious “One-Chance” gang that used a specially marked commercial bus (KSF 56 XL) to prey on and rob innocent commuters in Surulere area of the state.

A statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA Adebayo Taofiq, said the arrest took place near a Conoil filling station on Funsho Williams Avenue in Surulere, Lagos, after a distressing incident involving Miss Bibian Emelifonwu, a female commuter who fell prey to the syndicate while on her way to work earlier on Tuesday.

Recounting her ordeal, Miss Emelifonwu disclosed that she boarded the bus and sat beside a male passenger holding a nylon bag in the front seat next to the driver.

According to her, under the pretext of opening the front door beside her, the man surreptitiously leaned on her and deftly removed her phone from her bag.

“Having successfully executed the theft, the criminals heartlessly ejected her from the moving vehicle onto the highway.

“Fortunately, a vigilant team of LASTMA officers overseeing traffic in the area witnessed the incident. They swiftly pursued the fleeing bus, ultimately apprehending the driver, identified as Mr. Toyib Ogunjobi, while his accomplices—the conductor and another passenger—managed to escape”, said the statement.

During interrogation, Ogunjobi admitted to leading a three-man syndicate, which included the owner of the bus.

He revealed that their modus operandi involved enticing passengers with low fares on the Costain-Ojota route, stealing their belongings, and forcibly ejecting them from the vehicle while in motion.

Ogunjobi further confessed that the syndicate generated between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 daily by selling stolen phones and valuables.

He also disclosed that similar One-Chance operations are proliferating across Lagos State, illustrating the pervasive nature of this criminal enterprise.

Seven stolen phones, comprising models such as Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, Intel A623, Techno Spark, Techno Pounoir, and Samsung devices, were recovered from Ogunjobi during his arrest.

He also admitted that the vehicle’s owner was actively involved in the operation.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, lauded the officers for their swift and commendable action, which prevented further harm to innocent commuters.

He urged Lagos residents to exercise heightened vigilance when boarding vehicles, emphasizing the need for caution not only with commercial buses but also with private vehicles that may harbor ill intent.

He assured Lagosians that the apprehended driver would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution.

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