The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspected fraudsters believed to be members of a syndicate that has been swindling unsuspecting victims across the country.
Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John, in a statement issued Monday in Uyo, said the suspects were arrested following multiple complaints and weeks of intelligence-led operations.
According to her, operatives acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, tracked down the suspects on September 5, 2025, at their hideout in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
The suspects were identified as Prince Francis Albert, 27, from Ikot Abasi LGA; Augustine Bassey, 39, from Okobo LGA; and Mbetobong Godwin, 35, from Ibesikpo LGA.
Albert, alleged to be the leader of the group, reportedly confessed to luring victims through multiple phone numbers. He admitted that his fraudulent activities began in 2022 after graduating from Sokoto State Polytechnic, and that he had duped several high-profile individuals, including politicians, senior military officers, and police officials.
Police disclosed that Albert relocated from Oyo State to Akwa Ibom in April 2025 to escape security operatives.
He allegedly sourced victims’ contacts from marriage invitations, obituary posters, complimentary cards, and online platforms.
Bassey, a Point-of-Sale operator, was said to have received illicit funds through his OPay account between April and August 2025, while Godwin, who shared a residence with Albert, also confessed to receiving money through his OPay account.
The police said the suspects are cooperating with investigators to recover SIM cards used in the scams and to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The command urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities.