The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects believed to be operating a “one-chance” robbery syndicate along the Benin-Agbor highway. The arrests followed a violent incident in which the suspects allegedly robbed a female passenger and pushed her out of their moving vehicle.
Police officials stated that the suspects employed a common deception tactic by disguising their vehicle as a commercial taxi. This allowed them to lure unsuspecting commuters into the car before launching their attack.
The victim, who managed to survive the fall from the moving car, provided critical information that enabled security agents to track and apprehend the suspected one-chance robbers. The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue into their other potential crimes in the region.
Modus Operandi of One-Chance Syndicates
The “one-chance” phenomenon is a recurring security challenge in several Nigerian cities and on inter-city highways. These criminal gangs typically operate vehicles that look identical to legitimate commercial taxis or ride-sharing cars. They target passengers at busy parks or along highways, using the guise of a shared trip to gain the victim’s trust.
Once the vehicle reaches a secluded area or the criminals feel they have total control, they rob the passengers of their cash, mobile phones, and other valuables. In many instances, victims are threatened with weapons, drugged, or, as seen in this case, violently ejected from the vehicle to prevent them from following the car or identifying the suspects.
The Benin-Agbor highway is a critical transport artery connecting Edo and Delta states. The route is frequently used by traders, students, and professionals, making it a high-traffic target for opportunistic criminals. Security experts have previously warned commuters to verify the legitimacy of commercial drivers and avoid entering vehicles with strangers during off-peak hours or in poorly lit areas.
The arrest of these four suspects provides a temporary reprieve for commuters on the route, but the incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of passengers using informal transport systems. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicle activity to the nearest station immediately.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once the police complete their formal investigation and file the necessary charges, which are likely to include armed robbery and attempted murder.
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