The Ekiti State Police Command has apprehended three men suspected of belonging to a syndicate that specializes in ATM card theft and fraud.
According to a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, the suspects 39-year old Timilehin Akinola, 46-year-old Ojo Peter, and 35-year-old Ademola Akinware—were arrested by the Rapid Response Squad on Monday.
Abutu revealed that the arrests were made after the police received credible intelligence regarding suspicious activity at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank’s Okesa Branch in Ado-Ekiti. “Upon receiving the information, RRS operatives were swiftly dispatched to the scene. When the suspects, who were riding a TVS motorcycle, spotted the officers, they attempted to flee. However, the operatives pursued and intercepted them at the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti,” Abutu said.
A search of the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to various individuals and banks. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects’ modus operandi involves hijacking and swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting victims at ATM points within bank premises, then using the stolen cards to fraudulently withdraw money from the victims’ accounts.
Abutu added that the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Michael Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover other members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of their criminal activities.
The police spokesperson urged the public to remain vigilant when using ATM facilities and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the Command at 08062335577.
