Rivers State Police Command has arrested one Blessing Oleru, allegedly involved in an Automated Teller Machine, ATM, debit card swap fraud worth N523,600 in Port Harcourt.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the 35-year-old was arrested after a report was filled by her victim.
Iringe-Koko said, “The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported the incident on November 26, 2024, at the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station after the suspect swapped his ATM card at a bank along the Garrison axis in Port Harcourt.
“According to the report, 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 assistance but instead swapped the victim’s debit card. The victim left the ATM without realising what had happened but soon began receiving debit alerts totaling N523,600.00.
“Following a coordinated intelligence operation, police operatives arrested Oleru on February 5, 2025. During interrogation, she confessed to the crime, and a Moniepoint Point of Sale (PoS) machine was recovered from her possession.”
Iringe-Koko reiterated the command’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting citizens’ interests at all times, adding that efforts are being made to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
