The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of an ATM fraud syndicate and recovered 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks and individuals.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Timilehin Akinola, 46-year-old Ojo Peter and 35-year-old Ademola Akinware, were arrested following credible intelligence about their alleged suspicious activities at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.
Acting on the intelligence, RRS operatives were immediately deployed to the area. The suspects, who were riding a TVS motorcycle, reportedly attempted to escape after sighting the police officers.
The operatives gave them a hot chase and eventually intercepted them around 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, according to the police, revealed that the suspects allegedly specialise in card swapping and theft at ATM points located within bank premises.
They are suspected of swapping victims’ cards and subsequently using the cards to make unauthorised withdrawals from their accounts.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify other members of the alleged syndicate and determine the full extent of their operations.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant while using ATM facilities and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the command on 08062335577.
