Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Over ₦1.5m PoS Fraud in Plateau

By Abah Margaret

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect for allegedly defrauding a Point of Sale (PoS) operator of ₦1.55 million at Terminus Market.

The suspect, identified as Jonathan Sambo Bitrus, a native of Bauchi State, was apprehended following the incident.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said the victim, Miss Josephine Morolayo, reported that the suspect visited her shop, where she works as a PoS operator, and requested to check his account balance.

According to the police, the suspect later asked to withdraw ₦1.95 million. The victim processed the transaction and handed him the PoS machine to input his PIN.

“She gave him ₦1,550,000 and asked him to wait for her employer to return from the mosque for the remaining ₦400,000,” the statement said.

However, upon her employer’s return, it was discovered that the receipt presented was from a previous transaction, indicating that no new withdrawal had been completed. By then, the suspect had fled with the cash.

Police investigations revealed that the suspect exploited the situation by accessing the victim’s transaction history when he was handed the machine.

“He identified a previous transaction of ₦1,950,000 and requested the same amount, despite knowing his account had no funds. He later cancelled the transaction after collecting the cash,” the statement added.

During interrogation, Bitrus reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted using the stolen money to purchase an iPhone 13 Pro and clothing materials.

The police confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Command condemned the incident and urged residents to remain vigilant while conducting financial transactions. It also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through emergency lines.