The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial ATM fraudster, Chibuzor Amaechi, in Uyo, the state capital, for allegedly swapping bank customers’ ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds from their accounts.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed that the suspect, a native of Ubima Village in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
According to the statement, the suspect was tracked and arrested by police operatives along Abak Road in Uyo following a distress call from two commercial banks. Surveillance footage from the banks’ CCTV cameras reportedly captured Amaechi during one of his fraudulent operations, leading to his swift identification and arrest.
“At approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, operatives received a distress call from two banks (name withheld) in Uyo, reporting that a suspect, later identified as Chibuzor Amaechi, had been captured by the banks’ CCTV cameras,” DSP John said.
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A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of seven different ATM cards believed to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims. In a video confession, Amaechi admitted to operating alone and targeting individuals in both Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
One of his victims, a resident of Ikot Inyang village, has since identified the suspect and provided useful information that is aiding police investigations.
DSP John noted that preliminary investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion. She further advised residents to remain vigilant when using ATMs and report any suspicious activity to security agencies immediately.