The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in ATM card theft and fraud in Ado-Ekiti.
The suspects were identified as Timilehin Akinola, 39; Ojo Peter, 46; and Ademola Akinware, 35.
The arrest followed credible intelligence about the suspects’ presence at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the area. The suspects, who were reportedly riding a TVS motorcycle, allegedly attempted to flee after sighting the officers but were pursued and intercepted 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.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly target unsuspecting bank customers at ATM points, swap or steal their cards, and subsequently use them to make fraudulent withdrawals from victims’ 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 activities.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant when using ATM facilities and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the Command on 08062335577.
