The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate in connection with the abduction and murder of 23-year-old Grace Godwin Alewa, a petrol station attendant from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Grace was reportedly abducted on Friday, July 11, while returning home from work after unknowingly boarding a commercial vehicle operated by the kidnappers posing as transporters.
After robbing her of her personal belongings, the criminals contacted her family and demanded a ransom of N1 million. It remains unclear whether the ransom was paid or if negotiations were ongoing when she was tragically killed. Her lifeless body was discovered the following morning around 6:00 a.m. along Abubakar Street in the Alex Ekwueme District of Jabi and was rushed to the hospital by police officers, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
Her death sparked public outrage, particularly in response to misleading social media reports suggesting she was involved in a transactional relationship. These claims were vehemently denied by her family and coworkers, who described Grace as a diligent and innocent young woman returning from her job.
In response, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, launched a tactical manhunt and ordered intensified operations to crack down on one-chance syndicates across the capital. Acting on his directive, the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey carried out a series of intelligence-led raids between July 12 and 26.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects:
- Sunday Uduma (aka Akidi), 39, from Ohafia, Abia State
- Godwin Eze, 39, from Cross River State
- Nnaiji Ikenna, 33, from Imo State
According to police sources, the arrests were made using “actionable reconstructive digital intelligence.” The suspects reportedly made confessional statements implicating themselves in the crime. A black Mazda 323, believed to be the vehicle used in the operation, was also recovered.
Notably, one of the suspects, Sunday Uduma, had previously been arrested on February 11, 2024, for a similar one-chance robbery and was remanded at Keffi Correctional Facility. Authorities are now investigating how he regained his freedom and returned to criminal activities.
The police confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and will be arraigned upon the completion of investigations.
The tragic death of Grace Godwin Alewa has reignited calls for increased security and stricter enforcement against the growing threat of one-chance robberies in the FCT.
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