A Point of Sale (POS) operator in Delta State has narrated how she unknowingly became an accessory for a crime of N4m ransom payment to a kidnapper.
She spoke when she was paraded by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe for allegedly receiving N4,000,000 on behalf of kidnappers.
During her interrogation, she told police investigators that the said kidnapper who collected her account details where the money was transferred to, has been her customer, unknown to her that he was into kidnapping.
Confirming the arrest in a terse message to our correspondent, yesterday, the police image maker, SP Bright Edafe, warned POS operators to be mindful of the risks associated with processing large transactions that could be linked to criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.
He stressed that it is dangerous for POS operators handling transactions exceeding N500,000.
He cautioned that POS operators could unknowingly become accomplices in ransom collection, jeopardising both their business and personal freedom.
“My message to POS operators is clear: any transaction above ₦500,000 can get you into serious trouble. Don’t be a tool for kidnappers to collect ransom, as such transactions must be traced back to you,” SP Edafe said.
He cited the recent case in which the arrested operator facilitated the transfer of N4 million to kidnappers, earning just N40,000 as her commission.
“She received N4,000,000 from kidnappers, and her profit was just N40,000.
“Can you imagine? Be wise. You may argue that you are just doing business, but before your lawyer gets you out, you may spend some time cooling off in prison.”
He therefore urged POS operators to exercise caution and diligence when handling large sums, warning that failing to do so could lead to serious legal repercussions.
