22/10/2026
PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON THE ARREST OF ATM CARD-SWAPPING FRAUD SUSPECTS AND SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN KOGI STATE
Distinguished members of the press, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon, and thank you for honouring this invitation.
The Kogi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining public order. Today, I will brief you on two significant operations: the arrest of eight suspected cultists in Itobe, Ofu Local Government Area, and three members of an ATM card-swapping fraud syndicate in Idah.
1. ARREST OF EIGHT SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN ITOBE, OFU LGA
On 17 October 2026, at about 5:45 p.m., operatives of the Itobe Division, working with local auxiliary forces and community leaders, acted on credible intelligence and raided a location behind Government Secondary School, Itobe, leading to the arrest of eight male suspects: Mutari Ahmed, 26; Mohammed Tairu, 21; Audu Moses Yahaya, 27; Peter Vincent, 28; Progress Aminu, 21; Wisdom Friday, 21; Gabriel E***a, 22; and a 14-year-old boy. Items recovered included two TVS motorcycles, an axe and a cutlass.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had gathered to appoint a leader for a local cult group. Some admitted membership of the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities and provided information on other persons connected to their activities.
The arrests are significant in view of intelligence regarding planned violent clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities. Longstanding rivalries, territorial disputes and retaliatory attacks have been identified as factors driving the threat. The Command is also addressing reprisal threats against security personnel and facilities, with measures strengthened to prevent violence, protect residents and commuters, and maintain security in the area.
The case has been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation, including efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects, identify accomplices and establish the full extent of the groups’ activities.
Let me state unequivocally that the Nigeria Police Force has no friendly, supportive or compromising relationship with cultists, secret confraternities or any criminal elements.
Residents of Itobe, Ejule and neighbouring communities, as well as commuters along the Itobe–Anyigba Road, are advised to remain vigilant, continue their lawful activities without panic, and report suspicious movements or threats to the nearest Police station. Anyone involved in, supporting or financing criminal cult activities should desist immediately.
The Police will continue to act on credible intelligence and take lawful action against anyone found culpable.
1. ARREST OF ATM CARD-SWAPPING FRAUD SYNDICATE MEMBERS IN IDAH
On 20 October 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., Police operatives arrested three suspects in Idah for criminal conspiracy, fraudulent banking activities and ATM card swapping. They are Philip Akiola, 50; Ojo Thomas, 56; and Abdulrauf Suleiman, 48.
The arrests followed sustained surveillance initiated after a complaint on 19 May 2026, in which the victim reported that his ATM card had been swapped, resulting in the loss of ₦1.5 million from his account. The operation led to the recovery of 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle used by the syndicate.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate targets unsuspecting ATM users through a coordinated distraction technique. One member observes the victim entering their PIN and identifies the bank card, while another creates a distraction. The victim’s card is then swapped, allowing the suspects to use the captured card and PIN to access the victim’s funds.
Further investigations revealed that the syndicate had engaged in the fraud for over a year. The suspects disclosed that an individual identified as “Sunday,” who is currently abroad, introduced them to the activity. Their operations primarily targeted ATM users at First Bank, Union Bank and UBA branches within their area of operation.
The case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, for further investigation.
The Command advises residents to shield their PINs, avoid unsolicited assistance at ATMs and confirm that they have retrieved their own cards before leaving. Anyone who suspects a card swap should immediately contact their bank to block the card and report the incident to the Police.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as appropriate. All suspects will be dealt with in accordance with the law and are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Thank you for your attention. May God bless Kogi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
