The House of Representatives has called for enhanced security in Abuja and a curb on illegal loan apps by the central bank.
The House of Representatives has called on the Inspector-General of Police and heads of security agencies to intensify surveillance efforts in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to curb the rising menace of “one chance” robbery operations.
The police were tasked with deploying mechanisms to trace and freeze accounts used in these crimes and to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly.
The House also urged the federal government to shut down unauthorised loan companies operating illegally in Nigeria, as these platforms are often exploited by criminals to further victimize their prey.
To address the unsafe transportation system that provides fertile ground for “one chance” robbers, the House urged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to revitalise the Abuja Urban Mass Transit system. It called for idle buses to be deployed and for services to extend until 9:30 pm daily, offering residents a safer and more reliable alternative.
The resolutions followed the adoption of motion by Rep. Billy Osawaru (APC Edo), on the “need to call on the security agencies to beef up security measures in the FCT and enhance synergy with the banks in Nigeria to travel the owners of bank accounts used by one chance operators”.
Osawaru highlighted the alarming activities of “one chance” operators and kidnappers in Abuja. He described how these perpetrators allegedly use hypnotic methods to overpower their victims, drain their bank accounts through Point of Sale (POS) devices, and subject them to unimaginable trauma, including rape and abandonment from moving vehicles.
“The perpetrator’s alleged magical powers used to hypnotize their victims and take them to an unknown destination, where the money in their different bank accounts are emptied with the use of POS and other money transfer devices, and at the same time, inflict pain/injuries on them, rape their female victims and push them out of a speed moving vehicle afterwards.” he said.
Osawaru underscored the urgent need to address the issue, lamenting that victims often face insurmountable challenges in seeking justice.
He criticised banks for their reluctance to cooperate promptly, citing bureaucratic hurdles like police reports and affidavits, which discourage victims from pursuing their cases.
He acknowledged existing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directives mandating banks to link customer accounts to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), which makes transactions traceable.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the use of victims’ phone numbers and bank accounts by criminals to borrow money from illegal loan apps, saddling victims with debts they are forced to repay. Adding that on a daily basis cases of such abound including that of our children/relatives, staff, secretaries etc
“If nothing urgent is done to curb the activities of ‘one chance’ operators in Abuja and other states, FCT may not remain safe for any of us,” Osawaru warned.
Adopting the resolution the House referred the motion to the House Committee on FCT, Police Affairs, Banking Institutions and legislative compliance to look into the matter and ensure compliance.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Orhionmwon uhunmwode federal constituency, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Rep. Osawaru throughout the 10th House here
