Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps have arrested a man accused of defrauding traders in Benin City using fake bank transfer alerts.
The suspect, identified as Joshua Oko, was picked up at a petrol station along Upper Mission Extension following a coordinated intelligence operation. He is alleged to have carried out a string of scams across Ibiwe, Upper Mission Extension, and Ikpoba Hill, targeting unsuspecting shop owners.
According to reports, Oko would enter shops, select goods without haggling, and present doctored bank credit alerts on his phone to make it look like payment had gone through. Once the traders were convinced, he would leave with the items before they realized no money had been received
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One victim, a trader named Iyore, said the suspect appeared calm and convincing. She explained that after presenting two bags of rice valued at N150,000, Oko showed her a notification that appeared to confirm payment. When she checked her account and found no credit, he blamed network delays and walked away with the goods.
The Deputy Commander of Operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Richard Balogun, confirmed the arrest and said Oko was apprehended during a targeted operation. He added that the suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities say the arrest should serve as a warning to traders to always confirm payments directly with their banks before releasing goods.
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