Leo Da Silva Slams Police Checkpoints, Sparks Online Clash With Nigerian Police Over ‘One Chance’ Scourge

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Leo Da Silva, have locked horns over the most effective strategy to curb the menace of “one chance” operators—criminals notorious for scamming and abducting unsuspecting commuters in major Nigerian cities.
The debate erupted on Sunday after Leo Da Silva took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent his frustration over what he described as ineffective police deployment. The reality TV star questioned the logic behind routine roadside checkpoints, arguing that police presence would be more impactful if focused on bus stops, where “one chance” crimes are frequently reported.
“Nothing pisses me off than ‘one chance’. It’s like mini kidnapping, mini banditry. Instead of police mounting useless checkpoints to greet us, why not go to bus stops and investigate these one-chance operators and grab all of them??” Da Silva wrote.
His post quickly drew a response from the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who cautioned against approaches that could expose commuters to harassment and profiling. Hundeyin stressed that policing must strike a balance between enforcement and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“I am sure you would come back to complain of police harassment, profiling and unnecessary delays at the bus stops. There are smarter ways,” Hundeyin stated.
He further advocated for technological solutions, proposing round-the-clock CCTV surveillance at bus stops as a more effective crime-fighting tool. According to him, while the police may not be responsible for installing such infrastructure, it would significantly aid investigations.
Unconvinced, Leo Da Silva fired back, clarifying that his argument was about better use of manpower rather than indiscriminate policing. He urged the police hierarchy to prioritise direct action against known crime hotspots, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, where “one chance” incidents are most prevalent.
“Instead of deploying unnecessary checkpoints, why not suggest to the force that one chance operators must be caught. Use that manpower to sort that,” he wrote.
The public exchange has since gained traction online, with many Nigerians echoing Da Silva’s call for smarter, intelligence-driven policing. Others sided with the police, agreeing that technology and strategic planning—not mass physical presence—may offer a sustainable solution to the growing security concern.
As the debate continues, the conversation has reignited broader questions about policing methods, public safety, and how best to protect commuters from one of Nigeria’s most feared urban crimes.