July 28, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a suspected serial ATM fraudster, Chibuzor Amaechi, who is believed to be behind a string of card-swapping and bank fraud cases across Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
Amaechi, a native of Ubima Village in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was arrested on Saturday, July 26, at about 4:00 p.m. at a bank, along Abak Road, Uyo, following a coordinated response to a distress call from two commercial banks.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspect was captured on CCTV swapping ATM cards of unsuspecting customers. A swift response by police operatives led to his arrest at the bank premises.
A search of the suspect revealed seven ATM cards from different banks, suspected of being stolen. In a recorded confession, Amaechi admitted acting alone and operating primarily within Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
One of the victims from Ikot Inyang Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA has identified Amaechi as the individual who swapped his ATM card and withdrew money from his account.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be arraigned upon conclusion of the preliminary inquiry.
