EFCC begins probe over suspects with 849 ATMs
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up investigation to determine the circumstances of how a suspect, Yasir Salihu Abdullahi, came in possession of of a whopping 849 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards of various Nigerian banks.
The commission is also probing the reason why the cards were being shipped out of the country.
Abdullahi was arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday, August 3, as he prepared to board an Egypt Air heading for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He was intercepted after a scan of his luggage by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service revealed the suspicious items. The officers then alerted the EFCC’s office in Kano.
On arrival at the scene of the incident, the operatives of the EFCC discovered that the suspect had the following staggering ATMs: 490 Guaranty Trust Bank ATM cards; 287 ATM cards of Access Bank; 49 ATM cards of Eco Bank; 10 ATM cards of UBA; 6 ATM cards of Stanbic IBTC Bank; 4 ATM cards of Zenith Bank; 1 ATM card each of Sterling Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and First City Monument Bank.
Another suspected fraudster, Ma Yongbin, alias Suleiman Yunusa, a 46-year- old Chinese National was also arrested on August 3 by Aviation Security at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport as he tried to board Egypt Air to China.
He was arrested at the Baggage checking point where he was found to have in his possession of N305, 000 in N5 denomination.
He was eventually handed over to the EFCC for further investigation.
When contacted, the EFCC’s Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the development, saying that the two suspects have made useful statements to the commission.
He added that the two suspects have also been granted administrative bail while investigations continue.
Andrew Orolua, Abuja
