Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested five suspects, including a domestic worker identified as Praise Sampson, over an alleged 'one chance' robbery operation that led to the withdrawal of more than N4.6 million from a victim's bank account. The arrests followed investigations into the incident, which occurred on April 26, 2026, in Port Harcourt.
How the Robbery Unfolded
According to police reports, the operation began when Sampson, a 20-year-old domestic worker employed by Port Harcourt resident Rosemary Vincent, boarded a taxi alongside two male accomplices. The gang coerced Sampson into surrendering two ATM cards belonging to her employer. They subsequently withdrew N4,607,199 from Vincent's bank account before the incident was reported to authorities.
Police Response and Arrests
The police spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that Vincent reported the matter at about 7:30 a.m. at the Choba Divisional Police Station. This prompted a coordinated operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, leading to the arrest of five suspects linked to the crime. Those arrested include Praise Sampson, 20, from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of Rivers State; Michael Chijioke, 36, from Abia State; Ndubuisi Jonah from Abia State; Ehirim Ugonna, 38, from Imo State; and Okeke Chizoba Daniel, 40, also from Imo State.
Growing Trend of One Chance Robberies
Police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a series of similar 'one chance' robberies across the Port Harcourt metropolis. The command described the development as a growing trend in which criminal gangs exploit unsuspecting commuters and, in some cases, use domestic insiders to gain access to victims' financial assets. Commissioner of Police Adepoju advised residents against sharing ATM cards or personal identification numbers with anyone and urged commuters to exercise caution when boarding vehicles. 'Stay vigilant and never share sensitive banking details,' the commissioner warned.
