Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested one Olawole Sunday, a suspected fraudster accused of specializing in the illegal procurement of bank account details to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
Sunday, whose criminal activities have sent shockwaves through the community, allegedly operated by convincing young people to open multiple bank accounts in exchange for payments ranging from N25,000 to N50,000 per account.
After collecting these accounts, he reportedly obtained critical financial information, including Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, which he later used for fraudulent purposes.
One of his known victims, Uyi Godstime Eghosa, became a key figure in the investigation after his bank account was reportedly used by Sunday to scam a petitioner out of N2 million under the pretense of engaging in foreign exchange (forex) trading.
Speaking to investigators, Eghosa explained that he was unaware his account was being used for fraudulent activities.
According to Eghosa, “I gave my account details, including my ATM card, to Sunday after he offered me N25,000 as payment for the account. At the time, I did not know what he was going to do with it.”
After the victim’s disclosure, the EFCC arrested Eghosa to ascertain his involvement in the crime. However, after his statement, it became clear that he had been duped by Sunday, as he had no knowledge that his account was being misused.
READ ALSO: Protesters defy police, storm streets in Abuja, Lagos
Olawole Sunday, during questioning, admitted to the crime, confessing that he had employed the account details of various individuals, including Eghosa’s, to perpetrate his fraudulent activities. “I was using the bank details to defraud people, and I regret my actions,” Sunday told EFCC operatives.
The EFCC has confirmed that Sunday will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded. In the meantime, the commission continues to urge members of the public to be cautious about sharing their financial details and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Sunday’s arrest is a part of the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to tackle financial crimes and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial systems.