Kogi Police Arrest 11 Suspects in Cultism, ATM Fraud Cases, Recover 59 Cards
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in separate operations targeting suspected cult activities and ATM card-swapping fraud, recovering 59 bank cards, two motorcycles, weapons and a vehicle allegedly linked to the cases.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Lokoja, according to a report by TVC News.
In the first operation, police arrested eight suspected cultists on October 17 behind Government Secondary School, Itobe, in Ofu Local Government Area. Items recovered included two TVS motorcycles, an axe and a cutlass.
Kankarofi said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly gathered to appoint a leader for a local cult group. Some of them reportedly admitted belonging to the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities.
He explained that the arrests followed intelligence reports about possible clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities.
In a separate operation, police arrested three suspected ATM card-swapping fraudsters in Idah on October 20 following investigations into a complaint by a victim who allegedly lost ₦1.5 million after his bank card was swapped.
Police reportedly recovered 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
According to the commissioner, the suspects allegedly distracted ATM users, observed their PINs and swapped their cards before using them to withdraw money from their accounts.
The police said both cases had been referred for further investigation.
Kankarofi urged bank customers to protect their PINs, remain vigilant when using automated teller machines and avoid accepting unsolicited assistance from strangers.
The arrests form part of the Command’s efforts to address suspected cult-related activities and financial crimes in the state. The suspects’ alleged offences remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
