Ekiti Police Arrest Three in ATM Card Theft Operation

The Ekiti State Police have arrested three individuals suspected of being part of an ATM card theft syndicate. The suspects, Timilehin Akinola (39), Ojo Peter (46), and Ademola Akinware (35), were apprehended by the police Rapid Response Squad on Monday after credible intelligence indicated their presence at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.

Upon the police's arrival, the suspects attempted to flee on a TVS motorcycle but were intercepted in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti. A search of the suspects revealed 16 ATM cards belonging to various banks and individuals.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects specialized in hijacking and swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting users at bank ATM points, subsequently using the cards to withdraw funds fraudulently. The Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State, Michael Falade, has ordered an intensified investigation to identify other members of the syndicate and assess the full extent of their criminal activities.

The police urged the public to remain vigilant while using ATM facilities.