The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 35-year-old Blessing Oleru for allegedly swapping a victim’s ATM card and withdrawing ₦523,600 in Port Harcourt.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest followed a report by the victim, who sought police intervention.

“The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported the incident on November 26, 2024, at the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station after the suspect swapped his ATM card at a bank along the Garrison axis in Port Harcourt. According to the report, the victim attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM, but the machine malfunctioned,” the statement read.

“Oleru, who was standing nearby pretending to carry out a transaction, offered assistance but instead swapped the victim’s debit card. The victim left the ATM without realising what had happened but soon began receiving debit alerts totalling ₦523,600.00.”

Iringe-Koko said police operatives arrested Oleru on February 5, 2025, after a “coordinated intelligence operation.” She added, “During interrogation, she confessed to the crime, and a Moniepoint Point of Sale (PoS) machine was recovered from her possession.”

“The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate,” Iringe-Koko stated, emphasizing that “this arrest demonstrates the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting citizens’ interests at all times.”