Police Arrest Suspected Member Of ATM Debit Card Swapping Syndicate

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested one Blessing Daberechi Oleru, a suspected female member of a syndicate that specialises in swapping automated teller machine (ATM) debit cards.
Oleru, aged 35, was arrested on February 5, 2025, at OMPADEC Road, Igwurita in Ikwerre local government area of the state, following a complaint lodged by one of her victims at the Olu Obasanjo Police Division, Port Harcourt, in November 26, 2024.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect swapped her victim’s ATM debit card at a commercial bank located in the Garrison axis of the Rivers State capital.

Iringe-Koko stated that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, succeeded in withdrawing a total of ₦523,600.00 from the victim’s account.

She said: “The Rivers State Police Command has achieved a significant milestone with the arrest of one Blessing Daberechi Oleru, female, 35 years old, of OMPADEC Road, Igwuruta Town, Port Harcourt. She is a suspect involved in ATM debit card swapping.

“The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported the incident on November 26, 2024, at the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station after the suspect swapped his ATM card at a Bank in the Garrison axis in Port Harcourt.

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“According to the report, the victim attempted to withdraw cash from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), but the machine malfunctioned. Oleru, who was standing nearby pretending to carry out a transaction, offered assistance but instead swapped the victim’s debit card.

“The victim left the ATM without realizing what had happened but soon began receiving debit alerts totaling five hundred and twenty-three thousand, six hundred naira (₦523,600.00).

“Following a coordinated intelligence operation, police operatives arrested Oleru on February 5, 2025. During interrogation, she confessed to the crime, and a Moniepoint POS machine was recovered from her possession.

“The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

“This arrest demonstrates the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting citizens’ interests at all times.”