The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Thursday paraded six suspects who specialised in registering Subscriber Identity Module cards with other innocent citizens’ identities and selling them to criminals.
The suspects are Ndubuisi Okeh; John Jock; Nafiu Tijani (a dispatcher); Nasiru Sulaiman; John Njoku and Suleiman Musa.
Addressing journalists while parading the suspects, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, said the suspects sold the SIM cards to criminals between N3,000 and N5000.
He noted that a total of 1,100 registered SIM cards, three registration machines, two fingerprint machines, and a mobile phone were recovered from the suspects.
Igwe said, “On May 29, 2024, at about 3:00 pm, a team of detectives from the State Intelligence Department led by ACP Mohammed S. Baba, acting on credible intelligence, lured and arrested six suspects namely: Ndubuisi Okeh John Jock; Nafiu Tijani (a dispatcher); Nasiru Sulaiman; John Njoku and Suleiman Musa, who specialised in the sales of already registered SIM cards to criminals who operate with other people’s identity to avoid being traced or tracked through their own details at the price rate of three to five thousand naira.”
Igwe also said four different numbers could be registered using a National Identity number. As a result, these criminals use street SIM card vendors to obtain the details of unsuspecting residents who buy and register SIM cards simultaneously.
He said, “It may interest you to know that four different numbers could be registered under a single NIN, hence, these criminals employ street SIM card vendors to get the details of unsuspecting residents who buy sim cards and register at the same time.
“Over 1,100 already registered SIM cards, three registration machines and other gadgets were recovered from the suspects. The suspects have all confessed to the crime and will be charged to court after an investigation.”
Also, a suspect granted bail by a court identified as Salam Zacheus, and his accomplice, Ademola Razzak, who were arrested for kidnapping and car theft, were paraded.
Igwe said a vehicle and a network jammer were recovered from the suspects.
He said, “On May 19, 2024, at about 5:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence from the National Intelligence Agency, police operatives of the command trailed and apprehended: Salam Zacheus (currently on court bail for a similar offence) and Ademola Razzak in Kado-Kuchi. The notorious suspects who have been on the command’s wanted list are members of a four-man gang terrorising Abuja and its environs and have freely confessed to the crime.
“An ash-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle, with Reg. No. KSF 412 HT, a network jammer, seven SIM cards, and a new number plate LSR 961 JK were recovered from them. Suspects will be charged in court soon.”
The CP also said a gunrunner, identified as Ikechukwu Didi, was arrested with seven automatic pump action shotguns and 1000 rounds of live cartridges.
He said, “On June 7, 2024, at about 2:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives from the anti-car theft section, trailed and arrested one Ikechukwu Didi, 54 years, at Dutse Junction, who specialised in gun-running. Seven automatic pump action shotguns and 1,000 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from him. Suspect will be arraigned in court soon.”
