Tension gripped Obehie and Obiga communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on Thursday, June 11, 2026, following the arrest of four suspected members of a POS fraud syndicate allegedly involved in a series of scams targeting local POS operators.
The suspects were identified as Onyemechi Chidi and Mmesonachi Ejikeme, both from Abia State, alongside two other accomplices. A fifth suspect is currently on the run.
According to eyewitness, the syndicate, made up of four young men and one woman, had been moving around the area allegedly defrauding POS operators. Their activities reportedly came to light after a vigilant woman raised an alarm when the group allegedly attempted, but failed, to scam her.
Sources disclosed that the suspects subsequently visited a business centre known as Divine Computer, where they allegedly carried out a fraudulent transaction worth about ₦200,000 before moving to the Ukwu Fruit axis. There, another POS operator was reportedly defrauded of ₦86,000.
After the transaction, the suspects allegedly fled the scene in a commercial tricycle. However, concerned residents quickly mobilised and pursued them from the Ukwu Fruit area to Obiga.
Realising they were being chased, the suspects reportedly abandoned the tricycle and attempted to escape on foot. A public alarm was raised, prompting local youths to join the pursuit.
Three members of the gang, including the only female suspect, were apprehended on the spot, while two male suspects initially escaped into nearby bushes. Community members maintained a coordinated search, leading to the capture of one of the fleeing suspects in a neighbouring village shortly afterwards.
As of the time of filing this report, four of the five suspected syndicate members were in custody, while the commercial tricycle allegedly used during the operation had been recovered.
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