The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Oleru, for allegedly swapping a victim’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit card and fraudulently withdrawing ₦523,600 in Port Harcourt.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim (name withheld) at the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station, prompting a swift police response.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, detailed how the suspect carried out the act.
“The victim, who prefers to remain anonymous, reported that on November 26, 2024, he attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM along the Garrison axis in Port Harcourt when the machine malfunctioned. Oleru, pretending to assist, swapped the victim’s card without his knowledge. Shortly after leaving the ATM, the victim started receiving debit alerts amounting to ₦523,600,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that police operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested Oleru on February 5, 2025. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, and a Moniepoint Point of Sale (PoS) machine was recovered from her possession.
The police spokesperson assured the public that investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate involved in financial fraud.
“This arrest underscores the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and safeguarding the interests of residents. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly,” she said.
