Metro

How Lagos ‘One Chance’ Robbers Use Aboniki To ‘Blind’ Victims In Alapere Axis

Published

2 years ago

January 27, 2024

Barely three weeks after the Gbagada kidnapping incident went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, insecurity has taken another turn in the Alapere area of Lagos State.

‘One Chance’ robbers now rub aboniki, a very hot balm, into victims’ eyes.

Some of the victims shared their encounters with robbers in the Alapere area of the state while receiving medical attention at a Lagos hospital.

One of the victims, who demanded anonymity, told Vanguard that her knee was struck with a hammer five times.

According to her, the robbery occurred on January 23.

She narrated: “Around 6 a.m., I was on my way to work from Alapere Estate, so I boarded a Sienna bus heading to Ajah.

“Although the area is usually busy in the morning, with cars and buses going to the island, there’s always activity at Ogudu Berger, Alapere axis, as many people living there work on the island.

“A lady entered first, and I noticed that the Sienna bus wasn’t as crowded as typical Lagos commercial cars.

“There were three people, including myself, at the back. Two guys in the middle with the lady who entered, and a man seated at the front with the driver.

“That is, we were only two ladies among the eight passengers. The driver was even playing gospel music.

“Suddenly, instead of going straight towards the Island road, Iyana-Oworo, he abruptly took a turn, as if heading to Oshodi.

“And that’s when I heard the driver say, ‘Guys, operate immediately’. As soon as he said it, the man at the back grabbed my neck, and another one on the other side in the middle held the other lady’s neck.

“They squeezed my neck, forced me to lie down, and snatched my bag while the car was still in motion. While extorting us they demanded my phone and password.

“As I laid down, one squeezed my neck, and the other used a hammer on my knee.

“They inquired about my phone’s contents, took N7,000 from my purse, and asked about my wallet and mobile bank wallets. I informed them I didn’t have those, and my UBA account was empty.

“They got angry and hit me harder, then took my phone and then my laptop.

“After collecting everything, they focused on the other lady, demanding money. She mentioned looking for a job on the Island, and they took some of her ATM cards.

“They drove through Ilupeju while the car was in motion and threatened to rape me if I didn’t cooperate.

“The driver applied Aboniki to my eyes, removed my earrings and pushed us out of the car.

“I begged for money by the roadside, went to Ogudu Police Station to drop a statement. A policewoman explained to me that this has been a frequent occurrence in the Ogudu, Alapere area.

“She said tthey have tried to stop commuters from boarding private cars several times, but most of them won’t listen.”

‘They had POS’

Also, a doctor, who preferred to stay anonymous, shared her encounter with some of these armed robbers in December 2023.

According to her, she boarded a mini-bus heading to church, unknowingly filled with robbers who had a Point of Sale, PoS, machine with them.

She said: “They withdrew N300,000 from one of my accounts and later withdrew another N800,000 from another account.

“We need to be alert and aware that a new set of gangs are in Lagos.”

Metro

18-year-old Hangs Self, Police Launch Investigation

Published

12 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old identified as Tersoo Veregh, who allegedly took his own life in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to Zagazola Makama, the deceased’s father, Mr. Veregh Nathaniel, of Iorkyaako Street, High Level area of Makurdi, made the tragic discovery around 2:00 a.m. on October 4, when he stepped out of his room to ease himself and found his son hanging from the ceiling.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Makurdi, led a team of detectives to the scene. The body was photographed and later taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Police authorities said an investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Metro

Police Intercept Illicit Drugs, Recover Pistols In Delta

Published

12 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

The truck, with registration number 3BGT 18LG, driven by one Dennis Uruma, a 52-year-old man from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State, was intercepted by a patrol team of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Asaba, led by Commander SP Danyaya Yunusa.

The operation was conducted in synergy with the Office of the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking.

The driver was arrested after the search, while the counting and measurement of the exhibits are ongoing.

In another development, on October 3, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, led by Commander CSP Nosa Alex, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout around the Basket Market area of Asaba.

During the operation, three suspects, Rabbi Godwin, 25, Lucky Nanakumo, 20, and David Igwe, 19, were arrested.

A search of the location yielded one fabricated Beretta pistol, which was recovered and secured as evidence.

Again, on October 1, 2025, the DPO ‘B’ Division, Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, led his surveillance team in a swift response to a distress report about a robbery incident around the BONSAAC axis of Asaba, where a female victim was dispossessed of her phone and other valuables at gunpoint by two male suspects.

Working with local vigilantes, the team established a discreet cordon and began a methodical sweep of adjoining streets.

The coordinated push paid off when officers intercepted one suspect, Amara Nwako, 21, a male indigene of Oko, while his accomplice fled into an uncompleted building.

A locally made pistol was recovered during a search of the immediate vicinity. Preliminary findings revealed a possible cult affiliation linking the suspect to a certain Arobaga secret cult.

According to Bright Edafe, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, all the suspects remain in custody, while a manhunt is underway for the fleeing accomplice.

(DAILY POST)

Metro

NDLEA Intercepts 174 Parcels Of Cocaine Hidden In Body Cream Containers

Published

13 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine concealed in body cream containers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

This operation, which was part of its efforts to dismantle two major drug cartels, led to six separate cocaine shipments destined for the UK. On September 16, NDLEA operatives seized 13.4 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in cocoa butter containers.

A cargo agent was arrested, directing investigators to 56-year-old Hammed Taofeek Ode, identified as the syndicate leader.

After weeks of intelligence gathering, the NDLEA coordinated with police to apprehend Ode, who had spent over 27 years in various European countries before returning to Nigeria in 2024.

“During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He described himself as a businessman and real estate developer, ” the statement reads.

In another development, five attempts by a different cartel to export cocaine to the UK were thwarted between September 26 and October 2. On September 26, the NDLEA intercepted 2.1 kg of cocaine hidden in hair cream containers at MMIA, leading to the arrest of Smith David Korede. An additional 1.4 kg of cocaine was recovered from his location.

On October 2, two more suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, were arrested after two UK-bound shipments were seized. In other states, including Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Edo, and Kogi, several suspects were also arrested with varying amounts of tramadol and cannabis.