Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ben Hundeyin has given useful tips to prevent passengers from becoming victims of one chance. 

The Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday gave useful tips on how passengers in the state can avoid becoming victims of one chance.

               Lagos Police PRO, SP Ben Hundeyin

‘One-chance’  is the name Nigerians use for a form of robbery that takes place in both commercial and private vehicles when people accept the offer of a ride

It is an organised crime, perpetrated by people who work together, using a strategy of hailing passengers into their waiting vehicle.

After the unsuspecting residents have boarded the vehicles, they are robbed of their valuables and are subsequently thrown out of the vehicles, while others may be kidnapped and made to empty their bank accounts.Many Nigerians  have fallen victims to ‘One Chance

Lagos Police PRO, in the past week, the state police command reported on its social media handles at least three cases of one chance robberies where the victims were rescued and the robbers arrested.

However, Hundeyin on his X handle on Sunday gave useful tips on how passengers can avoid becoming victims of one chance on various roads in the state.

He said passengers should be aware of their surroundings and check for suspicious activities from the driver, conductor or even fellow passengers before boarding a vehicle. “If you have boarded before noticing suspicious activities, request to alight at the next police checkpoint,” he wrote.

He also said passengers should avoid boarding vehicles that offer suspiciously lower rates, and should avoid taking rides from strangers. According to him, where practicable, passengers should check the plate number of the vehicles and send the details to relatives or friends as soon as they board.

 That passengers should avoid vehicles that are not painted in the official Lagos State commercial vehicle colour. “Don’t board any vehicle that does not have an interior door handle or latch.

In addition, note that criminals sometimes use child safety lock to trap and detain their victims. To be on the safe side, ask the driver to wind down the car window on the side you are sitting if at the back.”

“Avoid boarding vehicles with tinted glasses. Be at alert while in public transport; don’t be too immersed in your phone and endeavour to be awake.

“Avoid discussing money issues while in public transport. When totally avoidable, do not stay out at odd hours.”

Below are the screenshots of the post by Hundeyin on the matter: