Police operatives in Akwa Ibom have arrested a member of a syndicate specialising in bank fraud.
The police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this to journalists in Uyo, the state capital yesterday.
The operation, which culminated in the arrest of the ring leader, also recovered several Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards from the suspect.
“Operatives of the command successfully apprehended a suspected serial ATM thief and fraudster named Chibuzor Amaechi, who specialises in swapping unsuspecting bank customers’ ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds.
“At approximately 4:00 pm 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 the 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.
The preliminary investigation into the matter is ongoing. Chibuzor Amaechi will be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation,” DSP John assured.
