Three Police, DSS Impersonators Arrested for ‘One Chance’ Robbery in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of three individuals impersonating police and Department of State Services (DSS) officers, accused of operating “one chance” scams in Abuja.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Olatunji Disu, disclosed that the suspects, along with nine accomplices, were part of a syndicate that targeted unsuspecting commuters across the city.

The suspects reportedly posed as law enforcement agents, picking up victims in unmarked vehicles, driving them to secluded areas, and demanding ransom for their release. One case was reported on October 12 by victims Jeremiah David and Amaka Humina, who said they were accosted by three men in a white Toyota Camry with registration ABJ 221 BV while traveling from Keffi to Abuja. Claiming to be DSS officers conducting an investigation, the suspects forcibly removed the complainants from the vehicle, transported them to an undisclosed location, and demanded they contact family members to arrange ransom payments.

According to Commissioner Disu, the suspects transferred N400,000 from the victims’ accounts using their mobile phones and also seized high-end smartphones, including an iPhone 14 Pro Max, an iPhone 15 Pro, a Samsung S20, and a Samsung S8 Plus.

Following the report, FCT police tracked down and apprehended the suspects. Their arrests also led to the recovery of six vehicles allegedly used in their operations, along with a locally-made Beretta pistol.

In another recent incident on October 30, police received a report of a Golf III vehicle allegedly used by “one chance” operators set ablaze in the Kubwa area. Bystanders claimed a gang of criminals had been terrorizing the NYSC Junction area, leading to the burning of their vehicle along with the gang leader. Three other members reportedly fled into nearby bushes but were later apprehended by police at a hideout in the Malaysia IDP Camp, Apo mechanic village.

During interrogations, the suspects admitted their involvement in the “one chance” scam, acknowledging they had been active along routes including AYA-Zuba Expressway for the past two years. They further confessed to impersonating security officials to deceive and rob victims.

Police recovered additional items from the syndicate, including multiple vehicles without registration plates, a locally made pistol, 9mm ammunition, seven knives, and ropes used to restrain victims. The arrested suspects remain in police custody and will face charges upon the completion of investigations.

The FCT Police Command has intensified its efforts to curb such criminal activities in the area assuring residents of improved security measures and swift action against impersonators exploiting unsuspecting citizens.