Police Arrest Three Suspected ATM Fraudsters in Ekiti, Recover 16 Cards
Residents of Ekiti State can now heave a sigh of relief as the state police command says it has arrested three suspected members of an ATM fraud syndicate and recovered 16 ATM cards belonging to different banks and individuals.
The suspects, identified as Timilehin Akinola, 39; Ojo Peter, 46; and Ademola Akinware, 35, were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence about their presence at the ATM gallery of Wema Bank, Okesa Branch, Ado-Ekiti.
The police said operatives were swiftly deployed to the location, but the suspects, who were riding a TVS motorcycle, attempted to escape upon sighting the officers.
They were subsequently chased and intercepted around the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of 16 ATM cards belonging to various banks and individuals.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspects allegedly specialised in hijacking and swapping ATM cards from unsuspecting members of the public at ATM points within bank premises.
The suspects were also alleged to have used the stolen cards to fraudulently withdraw money from victims’ bank accounts.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify other members of the suspected syndicate and determine the full extent of their activities.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant when using ATM facilities and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
It is expected that with the arrest of the ATM fraud syndicate, this will send a clear signal to the criminal who engage in such nefarious activities.
Residents also believe that such would give vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly persons freedom to use ATM machines at will.
In case of any breach you can reach the Ekiti State Police Command on 08062335577.