One-Chance Crimes: Ex-NBA Chairman Seeks Synergy,  Intelligence Sharing Among Security Agencies

By Ebere Agozie

Mr Afam Okeke, the former Chairman, NBA Abuja, (Unity Bar)  has called for synergy and intelligence-sharing among security agencies, to curb the menace of  the’one chance’ syndicates in Abuja.

Okeke made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines during a press conference organised by International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch.

The press conference by FIDA was to condemn and draw the attention of relevant authorities to the gruesome murder of their colleague Princess Mediatrix Chigbo by suspected one chance criminal operators.

The victim, a legal practitioner and rights advocate, was said to have been abducted and killed, with her body dumped on a roadside in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Okeke urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and the NSCDC to intensify intelligence-driven patrols, arrests, and to prosecute offenders.

“Synergy and cooperation among security agencies will deal a heavy blow on ‘one chance’ operators and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.

He also called for improved institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police, and position it to realise its inherent mandate as the frontline agency in internal security.

He added that there’s need for effective and proactive policing in the FCT as these people are wasting precious lives, and that this has got to stop.

“I call on the Nigeria Police to deploy all necessary resources to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to justice, to forestall any future occurrence.

“All necessary machinery should be set in motion to improve the security architecture in the FCT, particularly as it relates to the ‘one chance’ menace.

“Residents of FCT deserve to go about their legitimate businesses without fear, and to sleep with both eyes closed.

“While I commend the FCTA for the good job it is doing in the area of infrastructure, I implore them not to forget to secure the city. More street lights and CCTV must be installed all over the city.’’

He further called for the transportation system of the FCT to be upgraded to meet modern, safe, and efficient standards.

He equally called for firm and decisive action to be taken by the authorities to secure the lives and property of Nigerian citizens.