Police Uncover Shrine, Arrest 14 Members of Notorious “One-Chance” Syndicate in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered an operational den disguised as a shrine used by suspected kidnappers in the Idimu area, arresting 14 suspects linked to the notorious “one-chance” criminal gang. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The discovery was made following intelligence-led stop-and-search operations conducted in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026. The suspects were intercepted at multiple locations, including Bode Thomas, Surulere, while operating a vehicle allegedly used to abduct and defraud members of the public.
According to Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, the gang, led by Demola Adelua, has been active for over eight years and controls six operational teams across Lagos State. The CP explained that the syndicate often lured victims under the pretext of selling dollars or offering fake investment schemes, claiming to double the victims’ money before bringing them to the shrine.
“If victims cooperate and they succeed in defrauding them, they are released. But if the victim is too smart and refuses to cooperate, they bring the person here, lock them inside this room they call a shrine, and then call their relatives to demand ransom,” Jimoh said.
The CP added that the gang specifically targeted worshippers heading to mosques and churches early in the morning, taking advantage of limited movement and reduced police presence.
Confessions from Suspects
During a police tour of the premises along Pipeline Road, some suspects spoke to journalists:
Rotimi Adilola admitted the premises served as an operational base.
Amos Ogunna, who claimed ownership of the shrine, described it as “similar to a church” and said victims were often made to pay between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000.
Emmanuel Njoku, arrested at Bode Thomas, revealed that victims who refused to cooperate were sometimes returned with transport fare, while those who resisted faced ransom demands.
Tina Willy, from Akwa Ibom State, said she joined the syndicate after her husband died and confirmed that some victims were fully kidnapped after refusing to comply.
The suspects admitted to using at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, to pick up victims from bus stops and other locations.
Jimoh assured Lagos residents that the command is actively monitoring the security situation and that investigations are ongoing to apprehend remaining members, including those coming from neighbouring states.
He also announced the strengthening of the state’s security architecture through:
An undercover “walk-and-operate” squad
A coast drive strike force
A soon-to-be-launched anti-crime patrol and community protection squad
“I want to assure Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear. Full deployment has been carried out across the nooks and crannies of the state,” the CP said.