The police command in Benue has detained five suspects over alleged identity theft and cyber fraud.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s public relations officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, in Makurdi on Friday.

The statement said the four suspects, aged between 18 and 21, were apprehended by the cybercrime and narcotics department of the police command.

It said the operatives, following intelligence gathered on the activities of the suspects, raided their hideout in Makurdi and subsequently apprehended them.

“Exhibits recovered from them include three iPhones, one small tecno phone and two other smartphones.

“Further investigations revealed that the suspects had previously been engaged in impersonating people and using their identities to defraud unsuspecting persons of their belongings,” Ms Anene said.

She quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP), Steve Yabanet, as warning residents to be wary of the activities of cybercriminals.

Mr Yabanet also assured residents in the state of the command’s commitment to fighting crime.

He warned individuals and groups involved in cybercrime in Benue State to desist from such acts or face the consequences of their actions.

The CP said the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of police investigations. 

(NAN)