As the nation inches closer to the 2027 general election dateline, the Kogi State Police Command has assured of adequate security arrangements before, during, and after the exercise, warning perpetrators of electoral malpractices and other criminals to stay clear of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Nazir Bello Kankaroffi who gave the assurance in his office in Lokoja on Wednesday while parading some suspects added that the just concluded local government elections in the state was a window rehearsal for the imminent general elections.
The Commissioner said the police guarantees a level playing ground for all political parties, candidates, and their supporters without giving undue advantage to anyone. He said the police are synergising with other sister security agencies, notably the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corpse, NSCDC, Road Safety, and Vigilantes to achieve credible polls.
The Command paraded 8 suspected cultists and 3 other suspects who were arrested for Automated Tellr Machine, ATM fraud.
The cultists made up of seven adult males and a 14-year-old boy were arrested on 17 October in a location behind Government Secondary School, Itobe, Ofu. They were nabbed while making preparations for the selection of a gang leader. The police gave their names:
“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.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had gathered to appoint a leader for a local cult group. Some admitted membership of the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities and provided information on other persons connected to their activities.
“The arrests are significant in view of intelligence regarding planned violent clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities. Longstanding rivalries, territorial disputes and retaliatory attacks have been identified as factors driving the threat. The Command is also addressing reprisal threats against security personnel and facilities, with measures strengthened to prevent violence, protect residents and commuters, and maintain security in the area.
Three members of an ATM swapping syndicate, Philip Akiola, Ojo Thomas, and Abdurauf Suleiman, aged between 48 and 56 years of age, were arrested 20 October in Idah. A vehicle and 59 ATM cards of different banks were recovered from them.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate targets unsuspecting ATM users through a coordinated distraction technique. One member observes the victim entering their PIN and identifies the bank card, while another creates a distraction. The victim’s card is then swapped, allowing the suspects to use the captured card and PIN to access the victim’s funds.
“Further investigations revealed that the syndicate had engaged in the fraud for over a year. The suspects disclosed that an individual identified as “Sunday,” who is currently abroad, introduced them to the activity. Their operations primarily targeted ATM users at First Bank, Union Bank and UBA branches within their area of operation.
The case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, for further investigation.
“The Command advises residents to shield their PINs, avoid unsolicited assistance at ATMs and confirm that they have retrieved their own 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.
“Investigations into both cases are ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as appropriate. All suspects will be dealt with in accordance with the law and are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
