By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating within Abeokuta metropolis.
The suspects, identified as 29-year-old Bidemi Tijani and 42-year-old Olajide Rasaq, were apprehended on August 15, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation by the police.
According to the Command, the suspects were arrested after operatives received actionable intelligence about a syndicate allegedly disguising its members as commercial taxi operators to rob unsuspecting passengers of their mobile phones, cash and other valuables.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said the suspects were sighted in a taxi heading towards the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta.
Babaseyi said VCRU operatives immediately moved in and engaged the suspects in a high-speed chase before intercepting the vehicle and arresting both men.
He added that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being active members of the “one-chance” robbery syndicate reportedly terrorising commuters across the Abeokuta metropolis.
The police spokesman said efforts had been intensified to track down other members of the syndicate who are still at large, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their alleged criminal activities and recover relevant exhibits.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the VCRU operatives for their swift response, vigilance and professionalism.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Ogun State of criminal elements, warning that the police would continue to pursue criminals and ensure they have no safe haven in the state.
The Commissioner also urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or criminal activities to the police through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or the emergency line 09164859.
