Kogi Police Arrest Eight Suspected Cultists, Three ATM Card-Swapping Fraudsters
By Our Correspondent
Police recover 59 ATM cards, motorcycles, weapons; investigate alleged ₦1.5m fraud
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists in Itobe, Ofu Local Government Area, and three suspected members of an ATM card-swapping fraud syndicate in Idah, as part of efforts to combat criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed this during a press briefing, explaining that the arrests followed intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations by police operatives.
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According to the police, the eight suspected cultists were arrested on October 17, 2026, at about 5:45 p.m., during a raid on a location behind Government Secondary School, Itobe.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Itobe Division in collaboration with local auxiliary forces and community leaders following credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Mutari Ahmed, 26; Mohammed Tairu, 21; Audu Moses Yahaya, 27; Peter Vincent, 28; Progress Aminu, 21; Wisdom Friday, 21; Gabriel Enema, 22; and a 14-year-old boy.
Items recovered during the operation included two TVS motorcycles, an axe and a cutlass.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had gathered to appoint a leader for a local cult group. Some of them allegedly admitted membership of the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities and provided information about other individuals linked to their activities.
The Command expressed concern over intelligence reports suggesting possible violent clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities, attributing the threat to longstanding rivalries, territorial disputes and retaliatory attacks.
It added that security measures had been strengthened to prevent violence, protect residents and commuters, and address alleged threats of reprisals against security personnel and facilities.
The case has been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation, including efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects, identify accomplices and determine the full extent of the groups’ activities.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force had no friendly, supportive or compromising relationship with cultists, secret confraternities or any criminal elements.
Residents of Itobe, Ejule and neighbouring communities, as well as commuters plying the Itobe–Anyigba Road, were urged to remain vigilant, continue their lawful activities without panic and report suspicious movements or threats to the nearest police station.
In a separate operation, the police arrested three suspected members of an ATM card-swapping fraud syndicate in Idah on October 20, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m.
The suspects were identified as Philip Akiola, 50; Ojo Thomas, 56; and Abdulrauf Suleiman, 48.
The Command said their arrest followed sustained surveillance initiated after a complaint lodged on May 19, 2026, by a victim who reported losing ₦1.5 million from his bank account after his ATM card was allegedly swapped.
During the operation, police operatives recovered 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle allegedly used by the syndicate.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly operated through a coordinated distraction technique. One member would observe an ATM user’s PIN while identifying the bank card, while another would distract the victim. The victim’s card would then allegedly be swapped, enabling the suspects to use the captured card and PIN to access the victim’s funds.
The police further disclosed that investigations suggested the syndicate had been involved in the alleged fraud for more than a year.
According to the Command, the suspects claimed that an individual identified only as “Sunday,” who is currently abroad, introduced them to the operation.
Their alleged activities reportedly targeted ATM users at First Bank, Union Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches within their area of operation.
The case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, for further investigation.
The Command advised residents to shield their PINs when conducting transactions at automated teller machines, avoid unsolicited assistance from strangers and ensure they retrieve their own ATM cards before leaving the machines.
It also urged anyone who suspects that their card has been swapped to contact their bank immediately to block the card and report the incident to the police.
The police said investigations into both cases were ongoing and that further developments would be communicated as appropriate.
The Command assured residents that all suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law, while emphasising that they remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 23rd, 2026
