Woman conned over N9m in Edo State as police arrest 52 suspected criminals
52 individuals suspected of committing various criminal offences have been arrested by the Nigerian Police in Edo State.
43 individuals were arrested for engaging in secret cult-related activities. The arrests were made following a tip-off from local residents, as there had been a renewed clash between rival cult groups.
There have been reports of five deaths resulting from a cult war in Edo State. The police have made arrests to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In Ekpoma, Edo State, the police have apprehended five more individuals who were allegedly involved in scamming a university undergraduate.
In Uromi, one of the victims, known as Miss Joy, was approached by the suspects with an offer to purchase diamonds worth hundreds of millions. Miss Joy had recently sold her property for millions.
Miss Joy stated that she was hypnotised by the culprits and taken to her house. They then collected her ATM card and withdrew N9.5m from her bank account.
Once she withdrew the money, the woman came to the realisation that she had been a victim of fraud before she informed the police, who immediately launched an investigation, leading to the arrests of the five suspects.
“I was walking by the roadside when one man walked up to me to request a street direction. I then helped him. Later, he told me he had a diamond to sell. He then convinced me, and before l knew it, he got me confused.
“I went home to give him my ATM card and followed him to withdraw my money. My share of the property of my late father, which I sold for N9. 5m was collected from me. The sum of four naira is what is left in the account. They got me stranded, and I don’t know what to do now”.
One of the suspects admitted to the crime and stated that they were involved in 419 businesses. They began a year ago and were encouraged to join by a now-deceased friend.
“We only catch greedy people. We met this girl and talked to her. She got interested and followed us. My share of the money was N3m. Other members have escaped. I was caught when l was trying to sell her mobile phone, which we collected,” the suspect said.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, has confirmed the arrest and assured the public of the state’s ongoing efforts to crack down on criminal activities.
“The commissioner of police, CP Mohammed Dankwara, has since directed a mass raid of all criminal hideouts in Edo state. The police tactical teams have since complied with the directive. We will continue to chase criminals out of Edo state. It is our mandate”.
According to the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects are expected to face charges in court shortly.
©Standard Gazette,
