Three Arrested for Stealing ATM Cards in Ekiti

The police in Ekiti State have caught three men who they believe are part of a group that steals ATM cards and commits fraud.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, shared this news in Ado-Ekiti. He named the three suspects as 39-year-old Timilehin Akinola, 46-year-old Ojo Peter, and 35-year-old Ademola Akinware. They were arrested on Monday by officers from the police Rapid Response Squad.

Abutu explained that the suspects were caught based on reliable information about their activity at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.

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 police chased them and caught them in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti. A search of the suspects revealed 16 ATM cards belonging to various 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. They then used the cards to fraudulently withdraw funds from the victims’ bank accounts," Abutu explained.

Abutu added that the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Michael Falade, has ordered that the investigation continue. This is to find out more about other members of the group and to understand the full extent of their crimes.

"The CP urges the public to stay alert when using ATM facilities. They should report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the Command at 08062335577," the police spokesperson advised.