Recent Incident: Two Suspected POS Fraudsters Apprehended in Benue State
On September 29, 2025, two individuals suspected of engaging in Point of Sale (POS) fraud were apprehended by residents in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Nigeria. The arrest took place at Gyado Villa, opposite Peniel College, highlighting growing community vigilance against financial scams in the area.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location and Time: The suspects were caught in the act during the afternoon in a busy residential area of Makurdi.
- Method of Fraud: Eyewitness accounts indicate the duo allegedly attempted to deceive a local POS operator using fake bank alerts—a common tactic where scammers generate counterfeit transaction notifications to withdraw cash without actual funds being transferred.
- Community Response: Alert residents quickly intervened, preventing the fraud and detaining the suspects before handing them over to the Benue State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
- Related Context: This incident follows a similar arrest over the weekend in the same city, where another POS fraudster was nabbed, suggesting a possible uptick in such activities in Makurdi.
POS fraud, often involving mobile money transfer scams, has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, with Benue State seeing multiple crackdowns by authorities like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). For instance, earlier in 2024, the EFCC arrested 14 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Makurdi’s Federal Lowcost Housing Estate. In March 2025, police in the state rescued two other fraud suspects from a mob after they were accused of hypnotizing a trader at Wurukum Market.
This latest event underscores the role of public awareness in combating these crimes. Authorities urge POS operators and residents to verify transactions through official channels and report suspicious activities promptly to avoid falling victim. If you’re in Benue or dealing with similar issues, contact local police or the EFCC hotline for assistance.