The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Daberechi Oleru, for allegedly carrying out an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit card swap fraud amounting to ₦523,600 in Port Harcourt.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspect was apprehended following a report filed by the victim at the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station.

How the Fraud Happened

The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, reported that the incident occurred on November 26, 2024, at a bank’s ATM in the Garrison area of Port Harcourt.

• The victim attempted to withdraw cash, but the ATM malfunctioned.
• Oleru, pretending to carry out her own transaction, offered to help but instead swapped the victim’s debit card.
• The victim, unaware of the switch, left the ATM, only to start receiving debit alerts soon after, totaling ₦523,600.

Upon realizing what had happened, the victim immediately reported the fraud to the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station, prompting the police to launch an intelligence-driven investigation.

Suspect Arrested and Confesses to Crime

Following a coordinated police operation, Oleru was arrested on February 5, 2025.

• During interrogation, she confessed to the crime.
• A Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (PoS) machine was recovered from her possession, indicating the possibility of a wider fraud syndicate.

Police spokesperson Iringe-Koko emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

Police Warn Against ATM Fraud and Reaffirm Commitment to Security

The Rivers State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant while using ATMs and to avoid accepting unsolicited assistance from strangers at withdrawal points.

“This arrest demonstrates the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting citizens’ interests at all times,” Iringe-Koko stated.

Law enforcement officials are now working to track down other potential members of the syndicate as part of a broader crackdown on bank-related fraud in the state.