Security operatives apprehend suspected fake bank transfer scammer in Edo
Edo State Security Corps Arrests Suspected Fraudster Linked to Bank Transfer Scams
Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have apprehended a man identified as Joshua Oko in connection with a series of fraudulent bank transfer scams targeting traders in Benin City.
Oko is alleged to have operated primarily in the Ibiwe, Upper Mission Extension, and Ikpoba Hill regions of the city. Reports indicate that he visited various shops, made purchases without negotiating prices, and subsequently presented counterfeit bank credit alerts to the sellers before disappearing with the items.
According to authorities, Oko used a modified banking application on his mobile device to generate false transfer notifications that included the sellers’ account details and the supposed amounts transferred. One victim, a trader named Iyore, detailed her encounter with the suspect, describing how he gained her trust before executing the scam.
Iyore recounted that Oko appeared calm and convincing as he requested bags of rice suitable for preparing jollof rice. He assured her he would make the payment via bank transfer after the goods were presented. “He showed me what seemed to be a successful transfer notification on his phone, but the funds never appeared in my account,” she said. When she inquired further about the missing payment, Oko attributed the delay to network issues and promptly left the store with the goods.
Iyore also mentioned that Oko allegedly perpetrated a similar scam at another shop in Ikpoba Hill using the same fraudulent tactics.
Richard Balogun, the Deputy Commander of Operations for the ESSC, confirmed Oko’s arrest, noting that it was the result of coordinated intelligence efforts. Oko was apprehended at a petrol station along Upper Mission Extension during a targeted operation conducted by security personnel.
Balogun stated that the suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and potential prosecution.
