Suspected ‘one-chance’ syndicate members arrested in Abuja

Suspected ‘one-chance’ syndicate members arrested in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects allegedly tied to a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating in Abuja and neighboring areas.

The suspects—Abba Godwin, Abraham Anthony, and Moses Obi—are alleged to be part of a network led by one Friday Ogwuche, who remains at large. The arrests were disclosed during a press briefing on Thursday by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Speaking on the operation, Disu said, “As part of commitment to rid the FCT of the dare-devil “one-chance” syndicates, 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 organised crime, with ongoing investigations to apprehend accomplices and bring the fugitive leader to justice.

“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, AYA junction, Kubwa express and etc. He admitted to earning between N20,000 and N40,000 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 N40,000 per operation.

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“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.

”Upon their arrest, their operational vehicles; One (1) Green colored golf three car and one ash coloured Peugeot 406 car w, were recovered from them.

“Similarly, 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.

“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.

“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 N1.4 million from their operations.

“His arrest provided critical leads that have advanced investigations into other syndicate members.

“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 . 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.”

Suspected ‘one-chance’ syndicate members arrested in Abuja