The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three men suspected of belonging to a syndicate involved in the theft and fraudulent use of Automated Teller Machine cards.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Timilehin Akinola, 46-year-old Ojo Peter and 35-year-old Ademola Akinware, were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad on Monday.
The Punch reported that the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, saying the suspects were arrested after the police received credible intelligence about their activities at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.
According to Abutu, the RRS operatives were immediately dispatched to the location, but the suspects attempted to escape on a TVS motorcycle.
He said, “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.
“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks and individuals.
“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,” the PPRO said.
Abutu added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Michael Falade, had ordered an expanded investigation to uncover other members of the alleged syndicate and determine the extent of their activities.
The police spokesperson quoted the CP as urging residents to exercise caution when using ATM facilities and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the command on 08062335577.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
