Two individuals, who claimed to be graduates of Benue State University, have been apprehended by the Niger State Police Command for possessing nine ATM cards allegedly swapped from victims at commercial banks.
The suspects, Aver Wese, 31, from Obudu, Cross River State, and Godwin Deor, 30, from Ankpa, Kogi State, were captured by police officers from the Suleja Area Command on November 16, 2023.
According to DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the command’s spokesperson, the suspects were nabbed at Old Nepa roundabout while attempting to swap an ATM card of a female victim at a commercial bank’s ATM gallery in Suleja.
“The victim detected the attempt and raised an alarm. The suspects swiftly fled the scene in a Toyota Corolla with registration number YAB 267 CW,” Abiodun stated.
A police patrol team pursued and intercepted the vehicle at Old Nepa roundabout, resulting in the arrest of the two suspects. However, the driver, identified as David Therma, abandoned the vehicle and escaped.
Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to meeting David in Zuba, Abuja, where the vehicle, allegedly acquired from an Uber driver in Abuja, was obtained. They detailed their encounter with the female victim at a Suleja bank, acknowledging previous fraudulent activities over the past five months, including withdrawals totaling around #170,000 in Nasarawa State and #90,000 in Lokoja, alongside the unsuccessful attempt in Suleja.
Recovered exhibits comprised the Toyota Corolla, nine ATM cards, a POS machine, and a flash drive. The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation at SCID Minna, while efforts persist to apprehend David Therma, who fled the scene.
CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, urged public vigilance at ATM galleries and other public spaces. He commended the cooperation of the public and the victim, emphasizing their pivotal role in the suspects’ arrest.
