The Police in Rivers State, have arrested a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Oleru, said to be a notorious specialists in swapping Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit cards belonging to others.
She was arrested on February 5, after a manhunt launched by operatives of Rivers Police Command.
According to the Rivers Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspect who belongs to a larger debit card fraud syndicate, was arrested after she defrauded a male victim of ₦523,600.
Iringe-Koko said the victim had reported the incident to the Olu Obasanjo Police Station after Oleru allegedly swapped his debit card while he attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM.
“The victim attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM, but the machine malfunctioned.
“Oleru, who was standing nearby pretending to carry out a transaction, offered to assist but instead swapped the victims’ debit card,” Iringe-Koko explained.
She said that the victim left the ATM without realising what had occurred and subsequently began receiving debit alerts amounting to N523,600.
Thereafter, the police launched an investigation, which led to Oleru’s arrest.
“During interrogation, Oleru confessed to the crime.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the debit card swapping syndicate who are still at large.
“This arrest underscores the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring the protection of citizens at all times,” Iringe-Koko,” she added.
Items recovered from the suspect include a Moniepoint Point of Sale (POS) machine.
