Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspected Serial ATM Fraudster in Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a suspected serial ATM fraudster, Chibuzor Amaechi, who allegedly specialises in swapping unsuspecting customers’ ATM cards and withdrawing funds fraudulently.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspect was arrested on Saturday, July 26, 2025, along Abak Road in Uyo, following a distress call from two local banks.

The 34-year-old suspect, a native of Ubima Village in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was reportedly captured on CCTV cameras at the bank premises while attempting to defraud a customer.

“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,” the statement read.

The police said a swift response was initiated after bank officials alerted them to suspicious activity. Amaechi was tracked and arrested shortly after being identified through surveillance footage.

Upon searching the suspect, officers recovered seven different ATM cards from various commercial banks, believed to be stolen. Further investigations revealed that the suspect had been operating alone and had carried out similar schemes in both Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.

The Police Command has urged members of the public to remain vigilant while using ATM machines and to immediately report any suspicious persons or activities around banking areas.