Posted by By Paul Sanusi on
Police at Alakara Police State, Mushin, Lagos, have arrested a suspected pickpocket, Abudulwahabi Zongoima, 22, who specialised in defrauding innocent citizens through the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, after picking their pocket.
Police at Alakara Police State, Mushin, Lagos, have arrested a suspected pickpocket, Abudulwahabi Zongoima, 22, who specialised in defrauding innocent citizens through the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, after picking their pocket.
The suspect who is currently being detained at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, claimed that he is a marketing Executive with African Alliance Insurance, Ilupeju Branch Lagos and reside at 49, Ajegunle Street, Idi Araba. He was arrested when he went to GTB, LUTH branch to withdraw money from the account of one of his victims, Akole Kabiru.
He was said to have stolen Kabiru's ATM card on Tuesday, 21 October, 2008, during a BRT bus ride to Jibowu bus stop. Speaking with P.M.News on how he came about Akole's ATM card, and his arrest, Wahab said he did not steal the ATM card but found a purse which contained N24,000, ATM card and a National ID card belonging to Kabiru Akole in a BRT bus with his friend, Minassara, who is now at large.
According to him, he told his victim that he found the ATM card, Akole ordered him to go to the bank and assist him change the PIN code. He was trying to insert the PIN code when he was arrested. Wahab denied writing the application for the change of the PIN code which he said was written by his accomplice and signed by Akole.
Contrary to his claim, the Investigating Police Officer, said the police were invited by the bank to arrest the suspect when it was discovered that he was not the real owner of the account and ATM card. The IPO stated that Wahab had gone to the bank to use the ATM card and when he could not get the PIN code, he applied for the change of the PIN number. It was in the course of changing the PIN number that the bank discovered that he was not the true owner of the account.
He was arrested and charged before the Chief Magistrate's court, Yaba, on a three count charge of conspiracy, stealing and an attempt to escape from lawful custody. He pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and stealing but pleaded guilty to the attempt to escape from custody. The offences are punishable under section 516,390(c), and 132 criminal code cap 32 Vol 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003. He was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.