The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a notorious leader of a ‘one chance’ gang and two of his accomplices after foiling a robbery in Ikeja.
The suspects, identified as 53-year-old Bode Oludayisin, 22-year-old Michael Sowunmi, and 20-year-old David Olawaye, were caught when operatives from the Ikeja Division responded to a distress call during a routine patrol along Agege Motor Road.
Police said the gang, operating with an unregistered commercial minibus known as Korope, was in the middle of robbing a passenger when the alarm was raised. The vehicle has since been impounded.
Items recovered from the suspects included a Tecno Spark 20 phone stolen from a victim, an axe, two concrete bricks, heavy stones believed to be weapons used to attack passengers, and a broken bottle. All have been registered as exhibits.
According to the Police, Oludayisin has long been on the Command’s wanted list as the ringleader of a network behind several violent ‘one chance’ robberies in Lagos.
Investigations revealed that the gang often disguised themselves as regular passengers, picking up unsuspecting commuters from busy places like Oshodi before diverting them to isolated spots where they were attacked and dispossessed of their valuables.
The case has now been transferred to the Command’s Special Squad 1, which has begun a manhunt for other fleeing members of the group.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed the arrest and praised the officers for their quick response.
“This is a major breakthrough in the fight against ‘one chance’ criminals,” Jimoh said. “We will not relent until every member of this criminal network is arrested and prosecuted. I urge Lagosians to be vigilant, avoid unmarked or suspicious vehicles, and report any strange activity through the Command’s emergency lines: 08063299264 or 09168631003.”
