The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command paraded a notorious seven-member ‘one chance’ syndicate on Friday, responsible for terrorizing residents of the nation’s capital.
The suspected criminals include Rita Geoffrey, Musa Bashiru, Ruth Friday, Isa Paul Abdulateef, Murtala Olawale, and Loveth Amos.
During a briefing with reporters, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Haruna Garba, disclosed that Geoffrey confessed to participating in a series of ‘one chance’ activities within the FCT over the last three years. He added that their gang was involved in the murder of a lady.
Following their confession, the police apprehended Mohammed Aliyu Lawal, a POS operator they frequently used to withdraw money using the victims’ ATM cards.
Garba confirmed that after thorough investigations, the suspects would face court charges.
The CP said: “Between 1st of December till date, the anti-one chance clearance squad of the Command while clamping down on one chance elements impounded seventeen (17) vehicles without number plates and with tinted glasses.
“The operators of these vehicles are currently being interrogated to determine their culpability in the one-chance activities, those found culpable at the end of the investigation will be charged to court.”
Providing a breakdown of recent police actions in containing criminal activities, Garba stated that between November 28 and December 29, the command arrested 11 ‘one chance’ suspects, seven kidnappers, and their informants. They also recovered three vehicles, five firearms, and 30 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, one kidnapper was killed, and 43 suspects were paraded during this period.
He said that from December 1 till date, the command arrested nine ‘one chance’ suspects, 12 armed robbery suspects, and two rape suspects. Furthermore, they recovered five stolen vehicles, five firearms, and 12 ammunitions, parading a total of 23 suspects during this period.
“On 03/12/2023 at about 2345hrs, police operatives from Dops State Headquarters on pin-down and stop and search at Power House roundabout Asokoro arrested three suspects namely; Abubakar Aliyu 19 yrs, Bashir Musa 19yrs and Abba Jafaru 20 yrs all males of Uke Village, Nasarawa state.
“During the search, a Baretta pistol was recovered from them. During interrogation, suspects confessed to have burgled so many houses. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation”.
He went further that: “On 15/12/2023 at about 1800hrs, acting on credible intelligence, that one chance syndicate were all out and planning on how to carry out their criminal activities.
“Police operatives from Galadima Division swooped on them and arrested two (2) suspected one chance operators namely Humphrey Peter and Patrick Onomuoder, while three others escaped. During interrogation, suspects freely confessed to being part of the criminal elements that terrorize the Life-Camp, Karmo, and Gwarimpa axis. Their operational vehicle, a Toyota Carina E without a registration number was recovered from them. Suspects are cooperating with the police to arrest other members of their gang on the run”.
Garba said police operatives from Wuse division on a Pin-down/Stop and Search operation along Herbert Macauley way flagged down a Nissan Altima Saloon car with Reg. No. BWR 488 SV driven by one Najibu Abdullahi ‘M.
During the stop and search, the CP said was 5 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a military jungle hat, Naval rank, and buttons were recovered from him. Hence he was promptly arrested. He is presently in custody undergoing interrogation.
He added: “Going by the above analysis, you will agree with me that the crime rate in the Federal Capital Territory has dropped immensely.
“I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that, there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe, that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT. This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are coming in droves to FCT to reside and do businesses due to prevailing peace and security in the city.”
The police boss said that Christmas was celebrated peacefully without any serious security breach.
The Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), and other recreational facilities, places of worship, and other key/vulnerable points were, Garba added adequately protected.
He confirmed that there was no single incident of any kind reported.
He assured that the same strategies that were put in place during the Christmas period will be replicated during the New Year festival.
