OLX introduces new service for busy shoppers

OLX, an online website where buyers and sellers transact business, announced on Tuesday that it had introduced “Do-it-for-Me” service for easier transaction on the platform.

The Public Relations and Communications Officer of OLX, Ms Uche Nwagboso, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the service would make transactions easier for busy users.

``We considered the peculiarity of the Nigerian market which is filled with busy people that need assistance in getting things done for them and that is what led to the launching of the product.”

Nwagboso said that to trade with the new product, one did not need to worry about taking pictures and uploading.

“All you need to do is click and book a 'Champ' on the OLX website.”

According to her, Do-it-for-Me utilises the “Champ,” who contacts the seller to get all details of the item that will be sold.

``The Champ takes away all the burden of taking pictures and uploading on the website for you.

``It guides all parties in all the processes of transaction and once the item is sold, OLX collects its commission and the sellers gets his money.''

She said that for Post-it-for-Me, if the user was not computer savvy, the Champ would post all items but the user would still manage the calls himself.

According to her, the Champ comes in two forms -

Post-It-For-Me and Sell-It-For-Me - ``which attracts a little commitment fee’’.

She advised users to always meet potential buyers and sellers at public places to guarantee their safety and that of the item they wanted to sell.

She also advised that all payments should be made through the bank by confirming that money paid was in the bank before exchanging items.

``Follow your instincts; do not meet someone in a secluded area. If you are not comfortable with the transaction, back off.''

She said that regarding automobiles, OLX had partnered with Mandilas Motors to make sure that the car being graded was roadworthy.

She advised users to be optimistic with prices placed because of competition and for the item to get the desired buyer.

One needs to compare prices to see what obtains outside but if you feel your item is worth more, you can fix your own price, hopefully, you can get a buyer,'' she said.

OLX is a global brand operating in 45 countries.

Police kill three 'armed robbers', nab 779 suspects

Three suspected armed robbers were killed in a gun battle while 779 suspects arrested across Lagos in the last three weeks.

This was made known by the state Police Commissioner,  Fatai Owoseni on Wednesday while chatting with newsmen interaction at the command's headquarters in Ikeja.

He reiterated further  that the police recovered 27 guns, 64 rounds of various ammunitions and 33 different brands of vehicles within the period.

Among those arrested were 23 suspected armed robbers, two 'cultists' and 754 persons apprehended during raids of criminal hideouts in the state.

The police boss stated that 260 persons were released unconditionally from the 754 raided after they were found to have legitimate source of livelihood.

"494 of them were charged to court and we secured conviction on 298. The courts discharged 151 persons and 45 are still awaiting trial. In an efforts to enforce the state Traffic Law 255 motorcycles were impounded for plying restricted routes," he said.

Owoseni who said the most prevalent crimes in the state since March 18 were cult and gangster related clashes, as well as stealing by domestic employees from their masters, noted that the command has been able to recover about 95 percent of cars stolen from the onwers by their drivers.

"Among the suspects arrested within this period were a group which specialises in dispossessing commercial motorcyclists of their bike. Their modus operandi is that they pretend to be passengers wanting to patronise motorcyclists.

"Then, after they are carried, they use a certain spray on the rider which makes him unconscious after which they dispossess of his bike.

"When they are done, they meet one Justin, who generates fake receipt and fake plate number for them and they start operating the motorcycles.

"Five of them, including Justin were arrested and three of the snatched motorcycles were identified by their owners. Police discovered 50 other motorcycles in Justin's house, as well as fake number plates and receipts.

"Also, 13 suspected 'one-chance' operators  who are still being interrogated were arrested at different areas in the state. We apprehended about five of them who operate at Shoprite Ikeja, arrested some in Surulere and recovered two buses. Two other persons were arrested who received the stolen items from the one-chance operators.

"Six suspected cultists were arrested in Lagos Island and they have been charged to court. There was serious confrontation between Salu Court boys and Okesuna boys on March 23, leading to their arrest. But on Tuesday, three more suspects General, Ejah and Taribu were arrested and are currently in police custody, helping detectives to get others.

"Five suspected armed robbers who attacked a hotel in Ajangbadi and dispossessed lodgers of their valuables were arrested on April 12. We also got some of the boys who ambush bank customers and trail them with their power bikes to rob them of their money," said Owoseni.