Three nabbed as Ekiti police bust ATM card theft syndicate

Ekiti State police have arrested three men suspected of belonging to a syndicate specializing in ATM card theft and fraud. The arrests were made by operatives of the police Rapid Response Squad on Monday following credible intelligence.

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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 suspects, identified as Timilehin Akinola, 46-year-old Ojo Peter, and 35-year-old Ademola Akinware, were intercepted in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti after fleeing from the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch. A search of the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to various individuals and banks.

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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.

Preliminary investigations indicate the syndicate's modus operandi involves hijacking and swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting members of the public at ATM points. They then allegedly use the stolen cards to withdraw funds from the victims' bank accounts. The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered an intensified investigation to identify other syndicate members and the full extent of their criminal activities. The public is urged to remain vigilant at ATM facilities and report suspicious activities.

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The CP enjoins members of the public to remain vigilant when using ATM facilities and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the Command on 08062335577.