operatives in Kogi State have apprehended eight individuals suspected of cultism in Itobe, alongside three alleged ATM card-swapping fraudsters in Idah, while recovering 59 bank cards and other materials.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Lokoja.
He said the eight suspected cultists were arrested on October 17 behind Government Secondary School, Itobe, in Ofu Local Government Area. Police recovered two TVS motorcycles, an axe and a cutlass.
According to Kankarofi, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had gathered to appoint a leader for a local cult group. Some allegedly admitted belonging to the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities.
He said the arrests followed intelligence reports of possible clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities.
In a separate operation, police arrested three suspected ATM fraudsters in Idah on October 20, following investigations into a complaint by a victim who allegedly lost ₦1.5 million after his ATM card was swapped.
Police recovered 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
Kankarofi said the suspects allegedly distracted ATM users, swapped their cards after observing their PINs and used the cards to withdraw money from their accounts.
He said both cases had been referred for further investigation and urged bank customers to protect their PINs and avoid unsolicited assistance when using ATMs.
What You Should Know
The Kogi State Police Command has cracked down on criminal activities by arresting suspected cultists planning a leadership transition and dismantling an ATM fraud syndicate.
- Positive Impact: Timely police intervention helps prevent violent clashes between rival cult groups and stops fraudsters from draining innocent citizens’ bank accounts.
- Potential Concerns: The recovery of nearly 60 ATM cards highlights the alarming scale of card-swapping scams targeting unsuspecting bank customers in local communities.
