365NEWS Gathered that Robbers in Lagos have devised innovative ways to use tricycles, popularly known as ‘Keke Napep’, to rob commuters of their phones and other valuables.
Some victims narrated their experiences in the hands of these tricky robbers in keke.
A journalist, whose iPhone 15 Pro Max worth over a million Naira was stolen, described how he fell prey to a robbery gang that posed as tricycle rider and passengers close to the Area C Police Division.
According to the journalist, he boarded the tricycle at Stadium Bus Stop, heading towards Ojuelegba underbridge, unaware that his phone had been taken after the rider distracted him.
He explained the incident: “I entered the tricycle as soon as a woman got out. There were two men already inside, along with the driver, bringing the total to three passengers.
“We set off from Stadium Hotel Bus Stop, and just moments later the driver stopped and asked us to help him lift the tricycle to check the tire.
“I agreed, while the other two commuters grumbled and seemed ready to leave. After a few minutes, the driver asked us to get back in.
“When I returned to my seat, he immediately asked for the fare, which I paid.
The distraction
“As we continued, the driver started fiddling with the door window with one hand while controlling the tricycle with the other.
“I told him to focus on driving, but he kept insisting I help him. During this distraction, my phone dropped beside me.
“Instead of driving to Ojuelegba under the bridge, he took a different route, stopped and told me to get down.
“As I got out, I reached for my phone on the seat where I had been sitting, but before I could grab it, the driver zoomed off.
“I tried chasing after them, but the driver sped up, and the other two commuters appeared to be in on the scheme. That’s when it dawned on me that they were working together.
“I reported the incident to the Area C Police Division, where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) accompanied me to the section responsible for tracking stolen gadgets.
“The DPO assured me of efforts to recover the stolen phone.”
… another victim
Another victim shared a similar experiences.
He revealed that some tricyclists, when they realise a passenger is aware of their tactics, will quickly drop the passenger and return their fare.
He said: “I almost fell victim as well. They’ll distract you at any cost.
“And if they see you’re onto them, they might try to pretend they have a flat tire, hoping you’ll get out.
“That’s why whenever I’m in any commercial vehicle in Lagos and it breaks down, I immediately walk away.”
