As Police operatives intensified action against armed robbers, kidnappers, rapists, cultists and other criminal elements in Akwa Ibom State, a syndicate specialising in bank fraud has been smashed.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP TImfon John, who disclosed this to Journalists in Uyo, on Monday, said the operation which culminated in the arrest of the ring leader, also led to the recovery of several Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards from the suspect.
“Operatives of the Command successfully apprehended a suspected serial ATM thief and fraudster by name Chibuzor Amaechi, who specialises in swapping unsuspecting bank customers’ ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds.
“At approximately 4pm on Saturday, July 26, operatives received a distress call from two banks (name withheld) in Uyo, reporting that a suspect, later identified as Chibuzor Amaechi, from Ubima Village, Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State, had been captured by the banks’ CCTV cameras.
“This led to his swift identification and arrest at the bank premises in Abak Road, Uyo.
“Upon searching Mr. Amaechi, seven different ATM cards from various banks, suspected to be stolen, were recovered. In a video confession, the suspect admitted to crime as a lone individual, carrying out his illicit activities across Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
“One victim from Ikot Inyang Village, Ibiono Ibom LGA, has come forward and positively identified the suspect, providing a formal statement to the authorities,” John said.
She added that investigation was ongoing into the incident and assured that that suspect will be charged to Court upon the completion of the investigation.
