Police arrest three fraudsters, recover 16 ATM cards in Ekiti

Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three men suspected of being part of a syndicate specializing in ATM card theft and fraud. The suspects, identified as Timilehin Akinola, 39; Ojo Peter, 46; and Ademola Akinware, 35, were apprehended on August 8, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad.

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Upon receipt of the information, RRS operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects, who were riding a TVS motorcycle, fled the scene. The operatives immediately gave them a hot pursuit and successfully intercepted them at the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti.

The arrest followed credible intelligence about the suspects' presence at an ATM gallery of Wema Bank in Ado Ekiti. When police operatives arrived, the suspects attempted to flee on a motorcycle but were intercepted in the Basiri area of the city. A search of the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to various individuals and banks.

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A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks and individuals.

Preliminary investigations indicate the syndicate's modus operandi involves hijacking and swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting customers at ATM points. They then allegedly use these cards to fraudulently withdraw funds from the victims' accounts. The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered an intensified investigation to identify other syndicate members and ascertain the full scope of their criminal activities. The public is advised to remain vigilant when using ATMs and report any suspicious behavior.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects specialised in hijacking and swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting members of the public at ATM points within bank premises and subsequently using the cards to fraudulently withdraw funds from the victims’ bank accounts.