Six Suspects Arrested Over SIM Card Racketeering, Sale Of Registered Cards To Criminals In Nigeria’s Capital
According to the police, the suspects operate with other people’s identities to avoid being traced or tracked through their own details.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says it has arrested and detained six suspects who allegedly specialised in the salesof already registered SIM cards to criminals.
According to the police, the suspects operate with other people’s identities to avoid being traced or tracked through their own details.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, in media briefing on Thursday noted that four different numbers could be registered under a single NIN (National Identification Number).
He added that the criminals employ street SIM card vendors to get the details of unsuspecting residents who buy SIM cards and register at the same time.
He identified the name of the suspects as Ndubuisi Okeh, John Jock, Nafiu Tijani (a dispatcher), Nasiru Sulaiman, John Njoku and Suleiman Musa.
The statement reads in part, “On May 29, 2024, at about 3:00 pm, a team of detectives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) led by ACP Mohammed S. Baba, acting on credible intelligence, lured and arrested six (6) suspects namely: Ndubuisi Okeh, John Jock, Nafiu Tijani (a dispatcher), Nasiru Sulaiman, John Njoku and Suleiman Musa, who specialises in the sales of already registered SIM cards to criminals who operate with other people’s identity to avoid being traced or tracked through their own details at the price rate of three to five thousand naira.
“It may interest you to know that four different numbers could be registered under a single NIN, hence, these criminals employ street SIM card vendors to get the details of unsuspecting residents who buy SIM cards and register at the same time.
“Over one thousand, one hundred already registered SIM cards, three registration machines and other gadget were recovered from the suspects. The suspects have all confessed to the crime and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.
“Similarly, on May 19, 2024 at about 5:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Police operatives of the command trailed and apprehended: Salam Zacheus (currently on court bail for a similar offense) and Ademola Razzak in Kado-Kuchi.
“The notorious suspects who have been on the command’s wanted list are members of a four-man gang terrorizing Abuja and its environs and have freely confessed to the crime. An ash coloured Toyota Camry vehicle, with Reg. No. KSF 412 HT, a network jammer, seven sim cards, and a new number plate reading LSR 961 JK were recovered from them. Suspects will be charged to court soon.
“Also, on June 7, 2024, at about 2:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives from anti-car theft section, trailed and arrested one Ikechukwu Didi 54 yrs, ‘m’ of Enugu State at Dutse Juction, who specialises in gun-running. Seven (7) automatic pump action short guns and a thousand (1000) rounds of live cartridges were recovered from him. Suspect will be arraigned in court soon.”
The Police boss further said, “On May 24, 2024 at about 20:00 hrs, following a distress call received from one Dr. Ade Akinfolu that he was accosted by five unknown armed men at the entrance of his residence at Utako and snatched his black-coloured Lexus SUV Jeep with Reg No. AA 363 FU.
“In response, police operatives of the command swiftly swung into action, trailed and arrested one Mubarak Kabiru 26 yrs, ‘m’ of Nyemer, Niger Republic, in Kaduna state.
“The vehicle and a network jammer were recovered from the suspect who freely confessed to being a trans-border receiver of stolen vehicles. While effort is on top gear to arrest other gang members, suspect will be charged to court at the end of investigation.
“In a similar development, on May 29, 2024, at about 9:00 am, following a report by one Mr Augustine Ikoko that his red-coloured Pontiac vibe with Reg No. RBC 908 BQ was removed from where it was parked in front of his residence in Bwari by unknown persons.
“In response, police operatives of the command swiftly swung into action, trailed and arrested one Abbass Abubakar 35 ‘m’ of Edo state in a hotel in Bwari. Investigation revealed that the suspect is a habitual offender who had been arrested on four different occasions. The said vehicle was recovered from him and soon, the suspect will be charged.
“Also, on May 16, 2024 at about 6:00 AM, following a report by one Mr. Tony Nlechi ‘M’ of Nyanya, that a day before, his Toyota Corolla vehicle 2003 model with Reg. No. ABJ 327 BH was removed from where parked at Nyanya Market.
“Police operatives of the command swung into action and with the aid of digital reconstructive technology, the said vehicle was tracked to Nassarawa state in possession of one Mathew John 35 ‘m’ of Auta ba Leyfi. Suspect will soon be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”
