The Kogi State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists in Itobe, Ofu Local Government Area, and three suspected members of an ATM card-swapping fraud syndicate in Idah, recovering 59 ATM cards and other items.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Kankarofi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Lokoja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
According to the police, the eight suspected cultists were arrested on October 17 during an operation behind Government Secondary School, Itobe, following credible intelligence. Items recovered included two TVS motorcycles, an axe and a cutlass.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects had gathered to appoint a leader for a local cult group. Some allegedly admitted membership of the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities.
The police said the arrests were significant amid intelligence reports of possible violent clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities. The case has been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects.
In a separate operation, three men identified as Philip Akiola, 50; Ojo Thomas, 56; and Abdulrauf Suleiman, 48, were arrested in Idah on October 20 over alleged ATM card-swapping fraud.
The arrests followed an investigation into a complaint filed on May 19, 2026, by a victim who reportedly lost ₦1.5 million after his ATM card was swapped.
Related News:
Kogi Kidnap Victims Recount Ordeal, Say Abductors Threatened to Sell Them to Ritualists
Kogi Police Deny Harassment Claims After UNILORIN Lecturer’s Arrest
Kogi Police to Enforce Reflective Jackets for Okada Riders from July 1
Police said 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle allegedly used by the syndicate were recovered.
Investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects used distraction techniques to observe victims entering their PINs before swapping their ATM cards and using the captured details to access their accounts.
The syndicate allegedly targeted customers of First Bank, Union Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA), with preliminary findings suggesting that the operation had been ongoing for over a year.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lokoja for further investigation.
The police have advised residents to shield their PINs when using ATMs, avoid accepting unsolicited assistance from strangers and ensure they retrieve their own cards before leaving. Victims of suspected card swapping are urged to contact their banks immediately to block affected cards and report the incident to the police.
The command stated that investigations into both cases are ongoing and that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
About the Author
