Police Arrest 5 Suspects Linked to ‘One Chance’ Robbery Syndicate in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended five individuals suspected to be members of a ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate in Port Harcourt. The suspects include three women and two men, who were arrested after robbing a female victim along the Eastern by-pass in the state capital.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects were detained following a distress call from the victim. The arrested suspects have been identified as 45-year-old Ifeanyi Ugo (male), Paulina Ibe (45, female), Nneka Precious Sunday (30, female), Christopher Ibe (31, male), and 48-year-old Oyinyechi Ibe (female).

Iringe-Koko further disclosed that the operational vehicle used by the criminals, a green Volkswagen Vento saloon car with the registration number ANAMBRA FGG 40 AA, was also recovered during the operation.

The incident occurred on January 28, 2025, at around 7 p.m. while the Surveillance Patrol Team of the Hyper City Unit was conducting routine patrols along NLNG Road, Eastern Bypass. The victim, a resident of Federal Housing Estate, Trans-Amadi, reported that her phone had been stolen by the occupants of the vehicle.

Preliminary investigations are underway, with the suspects and the recovered vehicle currently in police custody. Iringe-Koko assured that the Rivers State Police Command is dedicated to addressing the growing issue of ‘One Chance’ criminals, who often pose as taxi or tricycle operators to target unsuspecting passengers.

The police also reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and continue to crack down on criminal activities within the state.