5 female immigrants using charms to defraud Nigerians nabbed

Five female illegal immigrants using charms to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians have been arrested with their Nigerian driver by the Joint Border Patrol Team, JBPT, North Central zone in Lokoja, Kogi state capital.

The suspects are Fatimah Muhammadu, (38) from Niger Republic, Judith Kofi (29) from Ghana, Fanta Camara (30) from Mali, Fadima Taore (37) from Chad and Fatimata Camara (39) from Benin Republic.

The coordinator of the team, Olugboyega Peters, who disclosed this in Ilorin, Kwara state, yesterday said the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities in Lokoja for further investigation.

While parading the women, Peters said, “During stop and search along Lokoja-Abuja highway, the joint patrol team on February 21, 2021, intercepted one Mazda 626 with number plate ABJ 187 BF, conveying five women from Zuba, Abuja to Lokoja in Kogi state.

“On searching the vehicle, 15 bundles and 18 pieces of wrappers were found to be concealed in the bonnet and other components of the vehicle.

“The preliminary investigations revealed that the five women are from different countries (Chad, Ghana, Mali and Niger Republic).

“They were found to be illegal immigrants without any means of identification. The investigation further revealed that they operate as a syndicate comprising two groups , specialized in duping and stealing of women wrappers and most times use charms to perpetrate their crimes.

“One group operates in Kaduna and the other in Kano axis, focusing on big shops selling women wrappers as their target.

“The two group came into the country through Katsina and Seme illegal routes.

“The driver of the Mazda 626, Mufutai Woye (34) is a Nigerian from Kwara state but resides in Kubwa, Abuja as a commercial driver.

“The driver was only hired to transport them “to and fro” Kogi state, Fatima Muhammadu (Nigerien) is the leader of the group.