Saturday July 26, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected cyber criminal and also uncovered new fraudulent SIM registration scheme in Uyo.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, made this known in a Press Release on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Uyo.
According to the PPRO, “A suspected cyber criminal, Mathias Etim Aya, 34, of Oron Road, Uyo, was arrested on July 23, 2025, at approximately 15:00 hours 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.”
DSP John further said that, “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.”
The PPRO further advised members of the public to check their National Identification Numbers, NIN, to ascertain if any unknown phone numbers are linked to their identity.
DSP John urged the public to report any suspicious activity or instances of fraudulent SIM card registration to the nearest police station.
