Calabar: Student Thrown Out Of Moving Bus By Suspected Robbers, Police Arrest Two

By Kelvin Ololo

A 20-year-old nursing student narrowly escaped death after being pushed out of a moving commercial bus by suspected “one chance” robbers in Calabar, Cross River State, in daytime attack that has raised fresh concerns over commuter safety in the city.

“One chance” is a prominent form of organized robbery in Nigeria where criminals operate commercial vehicles (taxis, buses, or tricycles) to lure, kidnap, and rob passengers.

These criminal syndicates, often operating in major cities, pose as legitimate transport providers. Once the victim is inside, they are trapped, assaulted, and robbed.

The incident occurred at about 9AM on April 16, 2026, when the victim, identified as Goodness, boarded a mini bus operated by the suspects who posed as passengers.

According to the Cross River State Police Command, the attackers dispossessed her of her Android phone and other valuables before forcefully pushing her out of the vehicle while it was still in motion.

In a swift turn of events, the bus driver reportedly halted the vehicle, raised an alarm, and pursued the fleeing suspects towards the Bogobiri axis, drawing the attention of residents and security operatives.

Police officers responding to the distress call joined the chase and successfully apprehended two suspects identified as Leo Celestine, 25, and Ndiana-Abasi William, 30. Stolen items, including the victim’s phone, were recovered from them.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Vikings confraternity and admitted to operating a robbery scheme targeting unsuspecting commuters, with stolen items reportedly sold through a network of receivers within the metropolis.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate as well as those involved in receiving stolen property.
Police spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, who confirmed the development, reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.

The latest arrest underscores the persistence of “one chance” crimes in urban centers, where unsuspecting passengers are lured into vehicles operated by criminal gangs disguised as public transport operators.

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