Police warned citizens to be vigilant and protect their data.
A suspected cyber criminal, Mathias Etim Aya, 34, of Oron Road, Uyo, was arrested at Nung Udoe, Ibesikpo.
His arrest follows a discreet investigation into a new and emerging crime trend involving fraudulent SIM card registration.
The suspect was apprehended after intelligence revealed an unidentified man parading in various locations, posing as a mobile SIM card registration agent. He would capture the faces and details of unsuspecting members of the public who come to register new SIM cards. However, after collecting their information, he would claim network issues and instruct them to return the following day. When victims return, he would often have changed his location, raising suspicions.
One victim, (name withheld) of Nung Udoe, identified Aya, leading to his arrest. Upon being apprehended, Aya admitted to using the National Identification Numbers (NIN) of innocent patrons to register new SIM cards, which he then sold to fraudsters and other individuals involved in nefarious activities for substantial sums of money.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect include:
* A data capturing device
* Three mobile phones
* Twenty used SIM cards
* Various filled forms
* sum of N10,000
* A small bag
This discovery highlights a new and alarming crime trend in the area. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their personal information.
Public Advisory:
* Check Your NIN Status: Members of the public are urged to check their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to ascertain if any unknown phone numbers are linked to their identity.
* Report Suspicious Activity: Any suspicious activity or instances of fraudulent SIM card registration should be reported immediately to the nearest police station.
* Register SIM Cards at Authorized Centers: To prevent falling victim to such schemes, the public should only purchase and register new SIM cards at authorized and legitimate service provider outlets.
Law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to track down individuals who purchased the fraudulently registered SIM cards from the suspect. The police commends members of the public for their continued cooperation and encourages everyone to remain alert to new criminal tactics.
