Police catch eight cult members and three ATM fraudsters in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has caught eight suspected cult members in Itobe, Ofu Local Government Area, and three people from an ATM card fraud group in Idah, located in the eastern part of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Kankarofi, shared this news on Wednesday during a press conference at the Command’s headquarters in Lokoja.

Kankarofi explained, "On 17 October 2026, at about 5:45 p.m., operatives from the Itobe Division, alongside local auxiliary forces and community leaders, acted on reliable information and raided a spot behind Government Secondary School, Itobe. They arrested eight male suspects: 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 included two TVS motorcycles, an axe, and a cutlass."

He mentioned that initial investigations show that the suspects had gathered to choose a leader for a local cult group.

“Some admitted to being part of the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities and provided information on others involved in their activities,” Kankarofi noted.

He said these arrests are important because of intelligence about possible violent clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities. He linked this to long-standing rivalries, territorial disputes, and retaliatory attacks.

He added that the Command is also tackling threats of revenge against security personnel and facilities. They are taking steps to prevent violence, protect residents and travelers, and keep security in the area.

The commissioner said the case has been handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit for more investigation. This includes finding suspects who have fled, identifying accomplices, and understanding the full extent of the groups’ activities.

He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force does not have any friendly or supportive relationship with cultists, secret groups, or any criminals.

He advised residents of Itobe, Ejule, and nearby communities, as well as travelers on the Itobe, Anyigba Road, to stay alert. They should continue their lawful activities without fear and report any suspicious movements or threats to the nearest police station.

“Anyone involved in, supporting, or funding cult activities should stop immediately. The Police will keep acting on reliable information and take legal action against anyone found guilty,” he said.

CP Bello Kankarofi also mentioned, "On 20 October 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., police operatives arrested three suspects in Idah for criminal conspiracy, fraud, and ATM card swapping. They are Philip Akiola, 50; Ojo Thomas, 56; and Abdulrauf Suleiman, 48."

These arrests came after ongoing surveillance that started after a complaint on 19 May 2026. A victim reported that his ATM card had been swapped, leading to a loss of ₦1.5 million from his account.

“The operation led to the recovery of 59 ATM cards from different banks and a vehicle used by the group. Initial investigations show that they target unsuspecting ATM users with a distraction technique. One member watches the victim enter their PIN and recognize the card, while another creates a distraction. The victim’s card is then swapped, allowing the suspects to access the victim’s funds,” he stated.

He said further investigations found that the group had been involved in this fraud for over a year. The suspects mentioned an individual known as “Sunday,” who is currently abroad, introduced them to this activity.

He added, “Their operations mainly targeted ATM users at First Bank, Union Bank, and UBA branches in their area.”

He stated that the case is now with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lokoja for further investigation.

The Command encourages residents to protect their PINs, avoid unsolicited help at ATMs, and ensure they have taken their cards before leaving. Anyone who suspects a card swap should immediately contact their bank to block the card and report the incident to the police.

CP Kankarofi said investigations into both cases are ongoing. Any updates will be shared as needed. He added that all suspects will be treated according to the law and are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.