Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended one Chibuzor Amaechi, a suspected serial ATM fraudster in Uyo, the state capital.

The suspect, who hailed from Ubima Village, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was arrested on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, according to a statement by the command?s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.

According to the statement, released in Uyo on Monday, the suspect specialises in swapping unsuspecting bank customers? ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds.

John disclosed that the operatives trailed and arrested the suspect along Abak road, Uyo, after receiving a distress call, cornering the suspect who had been captured by the bank?s CCTV cameras.

The statement read, ?On the 26th of July 2025, operatives of the Command successfully apprehended a suspected serial ATM thief and fraudster by name Chibuzor Amaechi, who specialises in swapping unsuspecting bank customers? ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds.

?At approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, operatives received a distress call from two banks (name withheld) in Uyo, reporting that a suspect, later identified as Chibuzor Amaechi, a male from Ubima Village, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State, had been captured by the banks? CCTV cameras. This led to his swift identification and arrest at the bank premises in Abak Road, Uyo.

?Upon searching Mr. Amaechi, seven different ATM cards from various banks, suspected to be stolen, were recovered. In a video confession, the suspect admitted to operating as a lone individual, carrying out his illicit activities across Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.??

The police spokesperson said one of his victims (name withheld), who hailed from Ikot Inyang village, had identified the suspect and provided useful information to the police.

While noting that the preliminary investigation into the matter is ongoing, the command?s Public Relations Officer said the suspect would be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation. (The PUNCH)

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