Odita Sunday 
The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on organised crime with the dismantling of a long-running ‘one chance’ and advance-fee fraud (419) syndicate, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, including an ex-convict and a woman who allegedly posed as a prophetess to deceive victims.
The suspects were arrested following sustained intelligence-led operations and surveillance triggered by multiple complaints from residents and commuters across the state. According to police findings, the syndicate specialised in impersonating commercial drivers, passengers and traders, luring unsuspecting victims into vehicles before defrauding or forcefully extorting them.
Police operatives traced the gang to a hideout located at No. 85 Pipeline Road, Idimu, where several victims were reportedly held against their will. A raid on the premises led to the recovery of two operational vehicles, suspected shrines and personal belongings believed to belong to victims.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, explained that the gang adopted a deceptive but dangerous pattern. Victims who cooperated and parted with money under the guise of fake business deals were released, while those who resisted were detained and their families contacted with false claims of kidnapping, followed by ransom demands.
He noted that early-morning worshippers and commuters at bus stops were frequently targeted, adding that the arrests followed the interception of three principal suspects, who later led investigators to the syndicate’s base. Further coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of 10 additional members, bringing the total number of suspects to 13.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate had allegedly operated for over eight years, deploying multiple vehicles including unmarked buses and a Toyota Sienna across different parts of Lagos to pick up victims. Some victims were reportedly intimidated or subdued with weapons to ensure compliance.
The Commissioner clarified that while the incidents did not amount to conventional kidnapping, they constituted organised ‘one chance’ operations involving unlawful detention and extortion.
He urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious vehicles and exercise patience before boarding public transport.
“Personal vigilance remains the first line of defence. Commuters should be conscious of their surroundings and avoid rushing into any vehicle that raises suspicion,” he advised.
Some of the suspects reportedly made confessional statements. One of the principal suspects, identified as Tina Williams, claimed she was introduced into the operation through a relative during a period of personal hardship. Another suspect, Emmanuel Njoku, 60, admitted to being involved in the scheme for several years, explaining how greed-based bait was used to lure passengers.
Meanwhile, another suspect, Ogbona Amos, denied criminal intent behind items recovered from the hideout but admitted involvement in advance-fee fraud, revealing that the group operated multiple vehicles and collected substantial sums from victims.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
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