The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a deadly “one-chance” robbery syndicate linked to the abduction and murder of 23-year-old petrol station worker, Grace Godwin Alewa.
Grace’s body was found dumped along Abubakar Street in the Alex Ekwueme District of Jabi on the morning of Saturday, July 12, 2025, a day after she went missing. The incident sent shockwaves through the city, triggering public outrage and calls for action against the rising tide of “one-chance” criminal activity.
According to police investigations, Grace boarded a commercial vehicle on the evening of Friday, July 11, while returning home from work. Unbeknownst to her, the car was operated by a gang posing as commercial drivers and passengers. She was reportedly kidnapped, robbed of her belongings, and held while her abductors contacted her family to demand a ransom of ₦1 million.
Tragically, Grace was killed before her release, and her body was dumped by the roadside. She was discovered around 6:00 a.m. and rushed to a nearby hospital by responding officers, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In response to the incident, FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, ordered an immediate tactical operation to dismantle “one-chance” gangs operating across the capital. A team from the command’s elite Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, launched a series of coordinated raids between July 12 and 26.
The breakthrough came with the arrest of three suspects:
– Sunday Uduma a.k.a. Akidi, 39, from Ohafia LGA, Abia State
– Godwin Eze, 39, from Cross River State
– Nnaiji Ikenna, 33, from Imo State
Police sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the arrests were made using “reconstructive digital intelligence,” with all three suspects reportedly making confessional statements tying them to the crime. The black Mazda 323 vehicle allegedly used in the operation has also been recovered.
Investigations further revealed that lead suspect Sunday Uduma had previously been arrested for a similar crime in February 2024 and was remanded at the Keffi Correctional Facility. How he regained freedom remains under scrutiny.
Grace, who hailed from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, was described by family and colleagues as a hardworking young woman. Her killing sparked further outrage after false online narratives sought to tarnish her reputation, which her family has since firmly refuted.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.
Police authorities say the crackdown on one-chance operators will continue, with renewed efforts to make Abuja safer for commuters and residents alike.
