The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended a member of “One-Chance” syndicate operating in a painted commercial bus with registration number KSF 56 XL.
The gang member was arrested near a Conoil Filling Station on Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, after attacking a female passenger.
Miss Bibian Emelifonwu, the victim, said the suspects—posing as regular passengers— stole her mobile phone under the pretence of opening the bus door before ejecting her from the moving vehicle onto the highway.
A vigilant team of LASTMA officers stationed nearby witnessed the incident and pursued the fleeing bus, managing to apprehend the driver, identified as Mr. Toyib Ogunjobi.
During interrogation, Ogunjobi confessed to leading a three-man syndicate, including the vehicle’s owner. He said their operation involved luring passengers with low fares on the Costain-Ojota route before stealing their belongings and forcibly ejecting them while in transit.
According to Ogunjobi, the gang generated between N250,000 and N300,000 daily from selling stolen phones and other valuables.
He further said such operations were proliferating across the state, highlighting the widespread nature of the crime.
Seven stolen mobile phones, including models such as Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, Intel A623, Techno Spark, Techno Pounoir, and other Samsung devices, were recovered from the suspect.
