7 bank workers arrested over N14m fraud

Seven members of staff of a first-generation bank in Barakin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State  have been arrested for  allegedly defrauding the bank and customers of N14 million. It was gathered that the workers allegedly opened the  Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of the bank and made away

with undisclosed amount and at the same time, engaged in illegal withdrawals from the accounts of unsuspecting customers.

The branch manager of the bank was said to have called in the police to arrest the suspected workers, when it was discovered that the  ATM had been opened and emptied of a large sum of money without any sign that the machine was forcibly  opened from outside or that there was a break-in.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abu Emmanuel, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the suspects had been transferred to Jos Area Command, where they were cooling their heels.

It was also gathered that N2.5 million pension and gratuity in the savings and current accounts of  a pensioner, who had been ill, was siphoned by the arrested bank workers.

Sources stated that money paid into the two accounts  was removed systematically as soon as it was deposited.

The Police Public Relations Officer, however, assured that the investigation was ongoing and that all the money would be recovered.