“One-Chance” Robbers Brutalize Lady,Break Her Legs Over Forgotten Phone Password in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – A horrific incident has brought to light the escalating menace of “one-chance” robbery in Lagos, as a young lady, identified as Olivia, was brutally assaulted and left with broken legs after failing to recall her phone password during a robbery.

The harrowing attack occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, between Ojota and Ogudu, leaving Olivia confined to a wheelchair and sparking renewed calls for government intervention.

Olivia, a TikTok user, recounted her ordeal, stating she boarded a private salon car in an attempt to get to her office early.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite initial unease about the occupants’ appearance, she remained in the vehicle. However, shortly after pulling out of the bus stop, the men allegedly turned on her, subjecting her to a vicious barrage of slaps, punches, and kicks.

After seizing her valuables, including her phone, the robbers demanded she unlock it. Overwhelmed by trauma, Olivia, in a moment of panic, forgot her password. Her inability to provide the password reportedly enraged the culprits, who then resorted to extreme violence, smashing her legs repeatedly with a hammer until she bled.

Olivia pleaded with them to allow her to use face recognition to unlock the device, a request initially met with skepticism and further torture. It was only when they realized her genuine inability to recall the password that they permitted the face recognition attempt. Fortunately, the phone unlocked, allowing the robbers to transfer funds from her bank account.

Still, their demands were not sated. They pressured Olivia to call her husband or boyfriend for more money. When she asserted she had neither, the beating intensified. She eventually called friends, who were unable to assist. Her office, however, came to her rescue, arranging for money to be sent to an account provided by the robbers.

Following the transfer, Olivia was abandoned at Ikeja, her eyes rubbed with methylated ointment, rendering her temporarily blind for two days.
This incident is not isolated. Reports indicate a persistent threat of “one-chance” robberies across Lagos, with victims frequently sharing similar harrowing experiences.

The Lagos State Police Command has previously issued advisories to the public on how to avoid falling victim, including cautioning against boarding vehicles with tinted windows or those offering suspiciously low fares.

The State Taskforce also announced in September 2024 the deployment of additional patrol motorcycles to combat “one-chance” operators in high-incidence areas like Agege Motor Road, Fagba, Gbagada Expressway, Iyana-Oworo, and Oshodi Expressway.

Despite these efforts, the frequency and brutality of these attacks underscore the urgent need for more robust security measures and swift prosecution of perpetrators.

Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The full account of Olivia’s ordeal, shared on TikTok, has resonated deeply, highlighting the widespread fear and personal cost associated with this dangerous criminal trend in Lagos and now in Ogun State,a neighbouring state.