The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a cautionary advisory to residents, urging them to exercise vigilance when considering using unpainted taxis, commonly referred to as ‘kabu-kabu,’ to minimize the risk of falling victim to armed robbers, commonly known as ‘One Chance’ criminals,Daily Trust reports.
CP Haruna Garba, the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, issued this warning during a press conference held on Tuesday.
“I strongly urge the residents of the FCT to exercise caution when choosing the vehicles they use for transportation. It is advisable to opt for painted taxis available at designated motor parks.”
“Boarding unpainted taxis, or ‘kabu-kabu,’ can pose a significant risk, as passengers may become targets for these criminals known as ‘One Chance’ robbers,” he emphasized.
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Garba disclosed that FCT police officers on crime prevention patrols recently rescued a woman named Ebere Alice, who had boarded a Golf taxi only to be robbed by the driver and his accomplices before being dropped off. Law enforcement officers subsequently pursued the perpetrators, intercepted the vehicle, and apprehended three suspects: Sylvester Attah (the gang leader with a history of One Chance robberies), Olalekan Salihu, and Gabriel Okwashi. The Golf car used in the crime, bearing registration number TKP 624 AA, was also recovered. The suspects will face legal proceedings once the investigation is complete.
Furthermore, the CP revealed that the police from the Mabushi Division, acting on credible intelligence, had arrested Samuel Vincent, a member of a robbery gang that specializes in robbing unsuspecting taxi passengers. The gang, with three other members still at large, diverted a passenger’s vehicle and dispossessed her of her belongings. The arrested suspect has cooperated with the police in their efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
In addition to these arrests, the CP reported that police operatives from Mabushi Division arrested four suspected armed robbers: Oluwatobi Precious (an ex-convict), Theophilous Elkana, Ibrahim Usman, and Umar Ibrahim. These suspects robbed motorists of their phones during traffic congestion near Mobil filling station in Mabushi and then fled in a getaway golf car. They have confessed to the crime, and various items, including an iPhone 14 Pro Max and multiple ATM cards with different names, as well as substances believed to be cocaine, were recovered from them.
CP Garba also mentioned the arrest of Emmanuel Abraham, also known as ‘Mosquito,’ a notorious armed robber and cultist linked to multiple cases of armed robbery, culpable homicide, and other cult activities in Lugbe and its surroundings. Abraham’s associates are currently incarcerated for a robbery that occurred on October 29, 2020.
Finally, the CP announced the capture of Adamu Idris, alias Idi, a wanted and notorious kingpin responsible for numerous kidnappings in the Galadimawa/Apo, Lokogoma, and Kabusa areas. Idris, spotted at Okada Junction in Kabusa, attempted to flee but was apprehended by police officers. During questioning, he admitted to being part of a five-member gang, with the other members currently evading capture.
