By DAYO ADESULU
In a significant operation aimed at protecting commuters, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully apprehended a notorious One-Chance syndicate utilizing a commercial bus (KSF 56 XL) to rob unsuspecting passengers. This decisive action took place near a Conoil filling station on Funsho Williams Avenue in Surulere, Lagos, after a female passenger, Miss Bibian Emelifonwu, reported a harrowing incident while on her way to work.
Miss Emelifonwu recounted her experience, explaining how she boarded the bus and sat next to a male passenger who deceptively positioned himself to steal her phone. In a calculated maneuver, he leaned over, opened the front door, and swiftly pilfered her phone from her bag, ultimately ejecting her from the moving vehicle onto the road.
Fortunately, LASTMA officers monitoring traffic in the area witnessed the incident and quickly pursued the bus. They successfully apprehended the driver, Mr. Toyib Ogunjobi, while his accomplices, including the conductor and another passenger, managed to escape.
During questioning, Ogunjobi revealed that he led a three-man syndicate, which included the bus owner. Their method involved luring passengers with low fares along the Costain-Ojota route, stealing their belongings, and forcefully ejecting them while the vehicle was in motion. He admitted that the gang generated between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 daily by selling stolen items, including smartphones.
Authorities recovered seven stolen phones from Ogunjobi, including models such as Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, Intel A623, Techno Spark, Techno Pounoir, and various Samsung devices. He confirmed that the bus owner played an active role in the criminal operations.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the officers for their swift response, which averted further victimization of commuters. He urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant when boarding any vehicle, stressing the importance of caution with both commercial and private transportation.
Additionally, Mr. Bakare-Oki reminded the public about the recently launched LASTMA toll-free hotline at 0800-005-27862, which allows citizens to report traffic-related issues, including emergencies and vehicle breakdowns.
The apprehended driver will be handed over to law enforcement for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution, reinforcing LASTMA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of road users and combating criminal activity throughout Lagos.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance among commuters and the dedication of LASTMA officers to maintain public safety and order on the roads.
**Adebayo Taofiq**
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.
