Uyo robbery: Police nab suspect linked to ₦4.2m ATM fraud
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the investigation of an armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and alleged juju-related case reported in the Uyo metropolis.
According to the command, the incident was reported through a petition dated November 20, 2025. The complainant stated that on November 19, 2025, while waiting along Uruan Street, Uyo, to board a commercial vehicle, a saloon car stopped and offered her a ride. Unbeknownst to her, the occupants were members of a criminal syndicate.
After driving for some distance, the suspects diverted from the intended route, produced a firearm and forcefully robbed the victim of her Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. She was compelled at gunpoint to reveal her Personal Identification Number (PIN).
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Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the investigation of an armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and alleged juju-related case reported in the Uyo metropolis.
According to the command, the incident was reported through a petition dated November 20, 2025. The complainant stated that on November 19, 2025, while waiting along Uruan Street, Uyo, to board a commercial vehicle, a saloon car stopped and offered her a ride. Unbeknownst to her, the occupants were members of a criminal syndicate.
After driving for some distance, the suspects diverted from the intended route, produced a firearm and forcefully robbed the victim of her Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. She was compelled at gunpoint to reveal her Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The suspects allegedly invoked juju, hypnotised the victim and escorted her to her residence, where they ransacked the house and stole ₦900,000 in cash.
Police investigations further revealed that the syndicate withdrew an additional ₦3.3 million from the victim’s bank account using her ATM card. The funds were transferred into multiple bank accounts, bringing the total loss to ₦4.2m.
Following the report, operatives of the command launched an intensive investigation. On February 3, 2026, police arrested one Benjamin Patrick, a male resident of No. 29 Ebong Isong Street, Uyo. His bank account and Point of Sale (POS) terminals were allegedly used to withdraw the stolen funds within a five-minute interval.
The victim positively identified the suspect as one of the individuals who conveyed her in the vehicle and participated in the robbery. He is currently in police custody.
During the investigation, three POS machines allegedly used in withdrawing the stolen funds were recovered. Police say efforts are ongoing to uncover the full criminal network, recover the stolen money and arrest other members of the syndicate.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators involved in the crime are brought to justice.
The command also warned criminal elements that Akwa Ibom State is not a haven for crime, and urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid boarding suspicious vehicles and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.
