The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected Point-of-Sale fraud syndicate in Akure, arresting three suspects linked to the theft of over ₦600,000 from a local trader through a deceptive device-swapping scheme.
Police authorities said the case began on March 19, 2026, when a trader, Mrs. Obadaye Omotola, reported that a group of individuals visited her shop in Ire-Akari under the pretext of purchasing goods. According to the Command, the suspects executed a carefully coordinated distraction, during which they allegedly swapped her MoniePoint POS machine with another device without her knowledge.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had also observed and memorised the victim’s Personal Identification Number during the transaction. Using the stolen device, they reportedly gained unauthorized access to her account and transferred a total of ₦632,000 into accounts under their control shortly after leaving the premises.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, detectives deployed intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Adeyemo Joshua, Opemiposi Olawale, and Oluwashola Blessing. Police confirmed that one additional accomplice remains at large, with efforts ongoing to track and apprehend the individual.
The Command disclosed that the suspects have made confessional statements during interrogation, providing useful leads to investigators. Authorities added that steps are being taken to recover the stolen funds and determine whether the suspects are part of a wider fraud network operating within or beyond the state.
The suspects have since been arraigned in court and remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and protecting residents from emerging fraud tactics. He also commended the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noting that his strategic focus on financial crime policing has strengthened operational outcomes across commands.
Police authorities urged traders and POS operators to exercise heightened vigilance during transactions, warning that fraudsters are increasingly adopting sophisticated distraction techniques to gain access to sensitive financial information.
The Command assured residents that it remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, adding that all individuals involved in criminal activities will be identified and brought to justice. Members of the public were also encouraged to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.
