Kogi Police Arrest 8 Suspected Cultists, Burst ATM Card-Swapping Syndicate
The Kogi State Police Command has recorded two major breakthroughs with the arrest of eight suspected cultists in Itobe and three members of a notorious ATM card-swapping syndicate in Idah.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Lokoja.
According to the CP, operatives of the Itobe Division, working with local security and community leaders, stormed a hideout behind Government Secondary School, Itobe in Ofu LGA on October 17, 2026, at about 5:45 pm following credible intelligence.
Eight suspects were arrested. They are Mutari Ahmed, 26; Mohammed Tairu, 21; Audu Moses Yahaya, 27; Peter Vincent, 28; Progress Aminu, 21; Wisdom Friday, 21; Gabriel Enema, 22; and a 14-year-old boy.
Items recovered from them include two TVS motorcycles, an axe and a cutlass.
Preliminary investigation showed they had gathered to appoint a new leader for their group. Some of the suspects confessed to be members of the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities.
Police said the arrest was crucial as intelligence revealed plans for violent clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities, fueled by long-standing rivalry and territorial disputes.
The CP added that the Command is also addressing reprisal threats against security personnel and has beefed up security along Itobe-Anyigba Road to protect residents and commuters.
The case has been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation.
He stressed that the Police has no relationship with any cult group and warned anyone involved in cultism to desist or face the law.
59 ATM Cards Recovered as Police Burst Fraud Syndicate in Idah
In a separate operation, the Police on October 20, at about 9:30 am arrested three suspected ATM fraudsters in Idah.
The suspects are Philip Akiola, 50; Ojo Thomas, 56; and Abdulrauf Suleiman, 48.
Their arrest followed a complaint filed on May 19, 2026, by a victim whose ATM card was swapped, leading to the loss of N1.5 million from his account.
Police recovered 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle used for the operation.
Investigations revealed that the gang uses a distraction technique one member watches the victim type his PIN while another distracts him and swaps his card.
The suspects confessed they have been in the business for over a year, targeting customers at First Bank, Union Bank and UBA branches. They said one “Sunday” who is currently abroad introduced them to the crime.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja for further investigation.
Cp Kankarofi advised the public to always shield their PIN, avoid accepting help from strangers at ATM points and double-check their card before leaving. Victims should immediately block their card and report to the Police.
The CP assured that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court, adding that they remain innocent until proven guilty.
