Police Arrest Two Over “One Chance” Robbery in Calabar

By Ekanem Asuquo 

Operatives of the Cross River State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of a “one chance” robbery gang in Calabar after an attack on a female student.

The suspects, Leo Celestine, 25, and Ndiana Abasi William, 30, were picked up on April 16, 2026, for allegedly robbing a 20 year old student of the School of Nursing, Calabar.

According to police sources, the suspects disguised as passengers in a commercial minibus before carrying out the attack. The victim was said to have been stripped of her Android phone and other valuables and later pushed out of the moving vehicle.

The situation took a dramatic turn when the driver halted the vehicle and raised an alarm, prompting a chase towards the Bogobiri axis. Police officers on duty quickly responded to the distress call and joined in the pursuit, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Authorities confirmed that the stolen phone and other items were recovered from the suspects at the time of arrest.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly belong to the Vikings Confraternity and specialize in robbing unsuspecting commuters. They also confessed to selling stolen items to receivers within the city.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate as well as those who aid in the disposal of stolen property.

The Command reiterated its resolve to safeguard lives and property, calling on residents to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies.