The long arm of the law has caught up with three suspected members of an ATM fraud syndicate after police swooped on them with 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks and individuals in Ekiti State.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Timilehin Akinola, 46-year-old Ojo Peter and 35-year-old Ademola Akinware, were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command.
The trio were reportedly caught after the police received credible intelligence that they were operating around the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, the suspects took to their heels when they spotted the approaching operatives, fleeing on a TVS motorcycle.
The police, however, gave them a hot chase and eventually intercepted them in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti.
A search of the suspects allegedly yielded 16 ATM cards linked to different banks and individuals.
Police investigations have reportedly uncovered how the suspects allegedly preyed on unsuspecting bank customers at ATM points, particularly within bank premises.
The police said the suspects allegedly hijacked and swapped customers’ ATM cards before using the stolen cards to withdraw money from their victims’ accounts.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Michael Falade, has ordered an intensified investigation to uncover other members of the alleged syndicate and determine the full extent of its activities.
The command also urged residents to be extra careful when using ATM facilities and immediately report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
Members of the public can also contact the Ekiti State Police Command on 08062335577, the PPRO said.
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