The House of Representatives has taken decisive action to address the escalating menace of “one-chance” kidnappings plaguing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. These criminal operations involve unsuspecting commuters boarding seemingly legitimate public transport vehicles only to be trapped by criminals who rob, assault, and often kidnap them. The House, deeply concerned by the harrowing experiences of victims, has passed a resolution urging a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, financial institutions, and government agencies to combat this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. The resolution, stemming from a motion of urgent public importance, highlights the brutality and manipulative tactics employed by these criminals, who often hypnotize their victims, transport them to undisclosed locations, and forcefully empty their bank accounts using point-of-sale (POS) machines and other transfer devices.
The core of the House’s resolution focuses on enhancing cooperation between security agencies and financial institutions. Lawmaker Billy Osawaru, who sponsored the motion, lamented the current lack of synergy, which hinders the tracking and identification of the bank accounts used by these criminal gangs. He criticized the cumbersome processes and requirements imposed by banks, which often frustrate victims seeking to recover their stolen funds. The House specifically called upon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to collaborate with commercial banks to trace the identities behind these accounts, a crucial step in apprehending the criminals and dismantling their networks. This collaborative approach aims to streamline information sharing and expedite investigations, ensuring that victims receive timely justice and restitution.
Beyond financial tracing, the House addressed the broader security implications of these crimes. It urged the Inspector General of Police and other security chiefs to intensify surveillance throughout the FCT, aiming to deter criminal activities and enhance public safety. Recognizing the vulnerability of commuters, the House appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to optimize the utilization of Abuja Urban Mass Transit buses currently lying idle. Extending their operational hours to 9:30 pm daily would provide residents with a safer and more reliable transportation alternative, reducing their reliance on unregulated private vehicles that are often targeted by one-chance operators.
The resolution also highlighted the disturbing connection between one-chance kidnappings and the proliferation of illegal loan applications. Osawaru revealed that criminals often exploit their victims’ stolen phone numbers and bank account details to apply for unauthorized loans, burdening the victims with substantial debts. The House unequivocally condemned this practice and called on the Federal Government to shut down these illicit loan companies, which serve as facilitators for criminal activity. This action aims to protect citizens from financial exploitation and disrupt the criminals’ ability to profit from their crimes.
Furthermore, the House emphasized the importance of leveraging existing financial regulations and technologies to combat this crime. It urged the Nigeria Police Force, banks, and FinTech operators such as Opay and MoniePoint to prioritize these cases and readily provide all necessary information to aid investigations and ensure victims receive justice. This call underscores the crucial role of these institutions in safeguarding the financial system and assisting law enforcement in their pursuit of criminals. The House’s directive emphasizes the shared responsibility in combating this menace, recognizing that a collaborative effort is essential for effective crime prevention and resolution.
In essence, the House of Representatives’ resolution represents a comprehensive response to the escalating problem of one-chance kidnappings in the FCT. It emphasizes proactive measures to deter crime, improve inter-agency cooperation, and protect citizens from financial exploitation. By calling for increased surveillance, improved public transportation options, and the shutdown of illegal loan companies, the House aims to create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, the emphasis on collaboration between law enforcement, financial institutions, and FinTech operators underscores the importance of a unified approach in tackling this complex criminal enterprise. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on their swift and thorough implementation, demanding accountability from all involved stakeholders. The House’s resolution serves as a crucial step towards dismantling the networks behind these crimes, providing justice for victims, and restoring public trust in the security and financial systems.
