By Uko Okon
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have apprehended a suspected serial ATM thief and fraudster, Chibuzor Amaechi, in a breakthrough operation on Saturday.
It was gathered that Amaechi, a resident of Ubima Village, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State, was caught on camera by two banks in Uyo, allegedly swapping ATM cards and withdrawing funds.
This was contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo on Monday.
The Statement stated that the suspect was arrested at a bank premises, Abak road, following a credible intelligence
According to the statement, a search of Amaechi’s person revealed seven ATM cards from various banks, suspected to be stolen.
The Statement reads, “On the 26th of July 2025, Operatives of the Command successfully apprehended a suspected serial ATM thief and fraudster by name Chibuzor Amaechi, who specializes in swapping unsuspecting bank customers’ ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds.
“At approximately 4:00PM 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, a male from Ubima Village, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State, had been captured by the banks’ CCTV cameras. This led to his swift identification and arrest at the bank premises in Abak Road, Uyo.
“Upon searching Mr. Amaechi, seven different ATM cards from various banks, suspected to be stolen, were recovered. In a video confession, the suspect admitted to operating as a lone individual, carrying out his illicit activities across Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
“One victim (name withheld) from Ikot Inyang Village, Ibiono Ibom LGA, has come forward and positively identified the suspect, providing a formal statement to the authorities.
“Preliminary investigation into the matter is ongoing. Chibuzor Amaechi will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation,” it added.
