The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three men suspected of belonging to a syndicate allegedly involved in ATM card theft and fraudulent withdrawals.
The suspects, identified as Timilehin Akinola, 39; Ojo Peter, 46; and Ademola Akinware, 35, were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Ado-Ekiti.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence about the suspects’ presence at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.
According to the police, the suspects attempted to escape after spotting the operatives. They were subsequently chased and intercepted around the Basiri area of the city.
A search reportedly carried out on the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks and individuals.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly specialised in stealing or swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting customers at ATM points within bank premises.
The suspects allegedly used the cards to make unauthorised withdrawals from victims’ accounts.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify other alleged members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of their activities.
The police also advised members of the public to remain vigilant when using ATMs and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Source: Ekiti State Police Command.
