An 11-day police operation in Ogun State has uncovered a mixture of suspected financial fraud, vehicle theft, cult-related activity and firearms possession. One investigation centres on 25 ATM cards allegedly connected to bank accounts opened with utility bills and newly acquired SIM cards — a detail that may point investigators beyond ordinary card fraud into a wider identity and banking scheme.
The Ogun State Police Command says it arrested 11 suspects and recovered 25 Automated Teller Machine cards, three firearms and suspected stolen vehicles during a series of operations conducted across the state between September 16 and 26.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the results in a statement reported on Monday.
One of the arrests involved a 45-year-old man identified as Ameachine Anthony, who was detained in Igbesa over an alleged ₦2.5 million fraud.
Police said 25 ATM cards and several mobile phones were recovered from him.
According to the Command, preliminary investigation suggests an alleged arrangement involving utility bills and newly obtained SIM cards used through associates to facilitate the opening of bank accounts.
Investigators allege that the ATM cards linked to those accounts were subsequently collected for fraudulent transactions.
Anthony and the exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
Separate operations resulted in arrests connected with suspected vehicle theft.
Police said three suspects were intercepted around Dalemo, Ota, with an unregistered tricycle and motorcycle, while preliminary investigations allegedly linked them to vehicle theft around the Ijoko axis.
SWAT operatives also arrested a suspected cult member following intelligence concerning an alleged cult gathering.
A subsequent arrest reportedly led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle and two locally made pistols.
Investigations are continuing to determine how the firearms were acquired and whether additional suspects are involved.
In another operation, officers recovered a stolen commercial motorcycle at Mokoloki Village and arrested two suspects.
Police also reported the recovery of electrical materials and another vehicle during separate investigations.
Eight vehicles were additionally impounded during enforcement operations around the Sagamu Interchange for allegedly obstructing the highway.
The Command said those vehicles would be processed for prosecution.
The individuals arrested in the various operations remain suspects.
None of the allegations constitutes proof of guilt, and criminal responsibility can only be established through lawful prosecution and determination by a competent court.
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SOURCE:
Punch — Ogun Police Nab 11, Recover 25 Debit Cards
