The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Wednesday, said it successfully rescued an 81-year-old man from suspected fraud syndicate operating in Uyo and its environs.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement to journalists in Uyo.

She said that the command arrested three suspected fraud syndicates during its operation on Tuesday.

The police spokesperson said the arrest followed report from a concerned citizen, on the activities of the suspects, who specialise in using tricycles to deceive members of the public.

She said, “The Akwa Ibom Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on February 3, at about 3:30 p.m. acting on credible intelligence, successfully dismantled a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Uyo.

“The intelligence provided by a concerned and public-spirited individual, revealed the activities of a group of fraudsters, who allegedly specialised in deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.

“The suspects reportedly used an operational tricycle to lure and convey victims, after which they employed deceptive and diabolical means to dispossess them of their monies and other valuables.

“Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command swung into action and arrested three suspects.”

The PPRO said that operatives of the command also recovered operational tricycle of the syndicate, with registration number UFG-886-QA.

She added that the suspects confessed to the crime, admitting that they fraudulently obtained money and property from several individuals within Uyo and its environs.

Ms John said that investigation was ongoing, to identify and reach out to other victims to obtain their statements, and to effect the arrest of other members of the syndicate.

She assured the public of the command’s commitment to the safety of lives and property.

Ms John urged residents to continue to provide timely and credible information to the police, for prompt action. 

(NAN)