The long arm of the law has caught up with a suspected syndicate who specializes in defrauding the public millions of naira through fake SMS alerts.
A statement from the Imo State Police Command confirmed by the State Command Public Relation Officer, Joy Ekomeko disclosed that on Tuesday at about 2000hrs, the Ambush Squad of the command arrested a con man whose job is to defraud people through unwholesome acts.
The policemen stationed at Poly Junction on Aba/Owerri Road, Naze intercepted a truck with Reg. No KSF 435X E Lagos, loaded with 100 bags of Golden Penny flour.
When the dealer was contacted by the police, the Owerri based businessman explained how he received an SMS alert crediting his account with N350,000 being payment for 50 bags of flour they syndicate loaded in a bus.
According to police, “on the 2nd of July again he received an SMS crediting his account with N700,000 they loaded the truck with 100 bags. On verification, he discovered the SMS was fake.
“The syndicate also deceived the dealer by manipulating a fake bank alert that was directed to his GSM handset, thus leading to the arrest of one of them, others are still at large”, police added.
The suspect is 25 year old Ufoduru Tochukwu, a male from Obinetiti, Ezihe in Isiala Mbano who claims to be a graduate of IMSU residing at Ikenegbu, Owerri.
Police in the statement therefore warned perpetrators and citizens who indulge in such criminal activities to stay clear from Imo state as the present police formations will leave no stone unturned to deal with these found wanting.
