A significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old suspected fraudster, Mathias Etim Aya, over a SIM card registration scam that exploited unsuspecting members of the public in Uyo.
Aya, a resident of Oron Road, was nabbed on July 23 in Nung Udoe, Ibesikpo, following an intelligence-led investigation into a rising wave of fraudulent SIM registrations. Authorities revealed that the suspect had been posing as a legitimate mobile registration agent, harvesting personal data and National Identification Numbers (NIN) under false pretenses.
According to police sources, the suspect deceived victims by claiming network issues after capturing their biometric data—only to vanish before finalizing the registration process. When victims returned, he would have already relocated.
One vigilant victim identified Aya, leading to his arrest. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to selling fraudulently registered SIM cards—linked to victims’ NINs—to cybercriminals for profit.
Recovered items include: A data capturing device, three mobile phones, 20 used SIM cards, Various filled forms and a small bag and ₦10,000 cash
The Police described the incident as an “alarming new crime trend” and urged the public to take urgent protective measures, including: Verifying linked numbers on their NIN, Registering SIM cards only at authorized centers and Reporting any suspicious agents or activities
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to clamping down on cybercrime networks and called for continued public vigilance and cooperation.
“We’re intensifying efforts to trace buyers of the fraudulent SIM cards,” DSP John stated. “Public safety is our shared responsibility.”
The Command advises residents to remain alert and report suspicious behavior immediately.
About The Author
