The command’s Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, in Uyo disclosed this, saying the arrest followed several complaints received by the Command.

He said the operatives launched a technical intelligence-led operation, adding that the effort culminated in the arrest of the three prime suspects from their hideout in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully apprehended three individuals suspected of being part of a syndicate responsible for defrauding numerous victims across Nigeria. The arrests followed several complaints received by the Command.

”Acting on the instructions of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, the operatives initiated a technical intelligence-led operation.

John listed the suspects to include Prince Francis Albert, 27 years, of Edemeya village, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Augustine Bassey, 39 years, of Okobo LGA and Mbetobong Godwin, 35, from Ibesikpo LGA.

According to the PPRO, Albert, the alleged gang leader, has confessed to the crime of luring victims from various states using multiple phone numbers.

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John disclosed that the second suspect, Augustine Bassey, a POS operator, was involved in receiving scammed funds through his OPay account, adding that he had confessed to receiving large sums of money from victims.

The third suspect, Mbetobong Godwin, according to the statement, shared a residential building with the gang leader and had also confessed to receiving funds through his OPay account.

She said the three suspects are fully cooperating with the police to recover their SIM cards and assist in the arrest of other syndicate members who are currently at large.

Source: Punch