Police Arrest Suspected ATM Card Thief In Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected thief identified as Chibuzor Amaechi, who specialises in stealing Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards from bank customers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

A statement signed by Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo stated that the suspect is notorious for using stolen ATM cards to swap accounts of unsuspecting bank customers.

The statement reads in part: “On the 26th of July 2025, operatives of the Command successfully apprehended a suspected serial ATM thief and fraudster by the name of Chibuzor Amaechi, who specialises in swapping unsuspecting bank customers’ ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds.”

John disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Ubima village in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was captured by the bank’s CCTV cameras before the bank guards sent a distress call to the police in the state.

“At approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, operatives received a distress call from two banks (names 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 on Abak Road, Uyo.”

She said seven ATM cards from different banks were recovered from the suspect, who later admitted to the crime through a video confession.

“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.”

John explained that one victim from Ikot Inyang in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state has already come forward and identified the suspect in a written statement to the police authorities.

She said investigations into the matter have begun and assured the public that the suspect will soon be charged to court at the end of the investigation.

“Preliminary investigation into the matter is ongoing. Chibuzor Amaechi will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.”

Source: The Sun