The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a man accused of defrauding bank customers by pretending to assist them with automated teller machine (ATM) transactions in Calabar.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a video shared on the police command’s Facebook page on Tuesday. He said the suspect was arrested on October 6, 2026, over allegations that he targeted unsuspecting ATM users.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly exploited customers who needed assistance with ATM operations by gaining their trust, withholding their bank cards and observing them as they entered their personal identification numbers (PINs).
In the video, the suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, explained how he allegedly approached customers at ATM points and took advantage of those who trusted him or requested assistance.
“I do go to the ATM machine to lie in wait for gullible customers who believe whatever I may tell them, and people that seek for help too,” he said.
He further alleged that he manipulated the transaction process to make customers believe their cards were still inside the machines when he had already withheld them.
“So, if you call for help or assistance from me, what I do is I put the ATM on the cardless transaction mode and withhold your card. You’ll be thinking your card is inside, but your card is not inside,” the suspect said.
The suspect also described how he allegedly observed customers selecting their preferred transactions and entering their PINs before leaving the premises.
“And you’ll choose a transaction which you want to perform. It’s either withdrawal or transfer or inquiry. By the time you click on any of them, ask you to put your password, to put your password, and confirm your password, I will leave the premises,” he said.
Eitokpah explained that the suspect allegedly memorised customers’ PINs during the process and used the information to facilitate fraudulent transactions. Victims would reportedly discover that their cards were missing and their bank accounts had been debited.
The police spokesman added that the suspect allegedly operated with a getaway driver who had yet to be arrested as of the time of the announcement.
He said the divisional police officer responsible for the area had been monitoring the suspect and had previously met with bank managers to discuss reported fraudulent activities around ATM locations.
The police command urged residents to exercise caution when conducting transactions at ATMs, particularly when approached by strangers offering unsolicited assistance.
Customers were advised not to disclose their PINs, surrender their bank cards to strangers or allow anyone to observe them while entering confidential banking information. Anyone who encounters suspicious activity should contact their bank or the police promptly.
The incident highlights the risks associated with allowing unknown persons to handle bank cards or assist with financial transactions. Customers who need help using an ATM should seek assistance from authorised bank personnel and protect their PINs from public view.
The suspect’s arrest does not amount to a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to police investigation and the judicial process.
