Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Oleru, for allegedly engaging in an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit card swap fraud amounting to over N500,000 in Port Harcourt.
The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that Oleru was apprehended following a complaint filed by her victim.
According to Iringe-Koko, “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.
“The victim attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM, but the machine malfunctioned. Oleru, who was nearby pretending to carry out a transaction, offered assistance but instead swapped the victim’s debit card.
Unaware of the swap, the victim left, only to later receive debit alerts amounting to N523,600.”
Following intelligence-led investigations, police operatives tracked and arrested Oleru on February 5, 2025. During interrogation, she reportedly confessed to the crime, and a Moniepoint Point of Sale (PoS) machine was recovered from her possession.
Iringe-Koko reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and ensuring the protection of residents.
She added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected fraud syndicate.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate