The Delta State Police Command has apprehended members of a notorious one-chance syndicate accused of robbing and assaulting women in the state.
Among the suspects is a man identified as Vincent, who admitted to luring unsuspecting women under the guise of being transporters.
Speaking at the Ughelli A Division during an interview organized by the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, Vincent confessed:
“We pretend like we are transporters and look for vulnerable young girls. When we pick them up, another gang member joins the vehicle. We drive to a lonely road or bush, collect their phones, open their mobile apps, and transfer their money. Sometimes, we also assault them.”
Vincent disclosed that the gang deliberately targets women, avoiding men altogether. He explained that they operate using two methods: luring women from clubs by pretending to offer transportation or posing as street drivers to unsuspecting victims.
Bright Edafe further elaborated on the gang’s strategy, saying:
“They pretend to be transporters looking for young girls. They pick these women as passengers, and about 100 meters ahead, another gang member is waiting to join the vehicle. The victim is sandwiched between them, taken to a secluded area, robbed of her phone and money, and sometimes raped.
“We also have one of their victims with us, but she is too scared to speak, and we cannot compel her,” Edafe added.
Investigations revealed that the gang is linked to a woman accused of purchasing stolen wigs from them. The woman admitted to buying five wigs from one of the suspects but claimed she was unaware of their source.
“I bought five wigs from him, but I didn’t know they were stolen,” she said.
The Delta State Police Command assured the public that efforts are ongoing to bring all culprits to justice and ensure the safety of residents.
