A New SIM Registration Scam Uncovered in Akwa Ibom State: Matthias Aya’s Arrest and the Unraveling of a Fraudulent Scheme
In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command apprehended Matthias Aya, a resident of 34 Oron Road, Uyo, on July 23, 2025. The arrest, which took place in Nung Udoe, Ibesikpo Local Government Area, followed a meticulous investigation into a novel and alarming fraudulent SIM card registration scheme. Aya’s apprehension marks a crucial step in combating this emerging criminal trend, which preys on unsuspecting citizens and potentially facilitates a range of illicit activities. This detailed account delves into the intricacies of the scam, the police investigation, and the implications for public safety.
The fraudulent scheme, as uncovered by the police, involved Aya posing as a legitimate mobile SIM card registration agent. He would strategically position himself in various locations, targeting unsuspecting individuals seeking to register new SIM cards. Under this guise, Aya would diligently collect the necessary personal information, including facial captures and essential details required for SIM registration. However, after securing this information, he would fabricate claims of network issues, instructing the unsuspecting victims to return the following day. Upon their return, Aya would invariably be gone, having relocated to avoid detection, leaving the victims bewildered and their personal information compromised.
One astute victim, residing in Nung Udoe, played a pivotal role in Aya’s apprehension. Recognizing Aya from a previous encounter, the victim promptly alerted the authorities, leading to his swift arrest. During interrogation, Aya confessed to his illicit activities, admitting to using the stolen National Identification Numbers (NINs) of innocent individuals to fraudulently register new SIM cards. These fraudulently registered SIM cards were then sold to individuals engaged in nefarious activities, including fraudsters, for substantial sums of money. This revelation highlights the potential scale and severity of the criminal enterprise, underscoring the importance of the police intervention.
A search conducted upon Aya’s arrest yielded a trove of incriminating evidence. Among the recovered items were a data capturing device, instrumental in collecting victims’ personal information; three mobile phones, likely used for communication and coordination of the fraudulent activities; twenty used SIM cards, potentially remnants of previous fraudulent registrations; various filled registration forms containing victims’ details; the sum of N10,000, possibly proceeds from the sale of fraudulently registered SIMs; and a small bag used to carry the tools of his deceptive trade. These recovered items provide concrete evidence of Aya’s criminal operation and will be crucial in building a strong case against him.
The discovery of this fraudulent SIM registration scheme has raised significant concerns about the security of personal information and the potential for its misuse in criminal activities. The police have issued a public advisory, urging citizens to exercise heightened vigilance and take proactive measures to protect their personal data, particularly their NINs. Individuals are encouraged to regularly check their NINs to ensure that no unknown phone numbers are linked to their identity. Any suspicious activity or instances of potentially fraudulent SIM card registration should be immediately reported to the nearest police station.
To mitigate the risk of falling victim to such schemes, the police strongly advise the public to exclusively purchase and register new SIM cards at authorized and legitimate service provider outlets. This precautionary measure significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering fraudulent agents and ensures the secure handling of personal information. Furthermore, the police have intensified their efforts to track down and apprehend individuals who purchased the fraudulently registered SIM cards from Aya, aiming to dismantle the entire criminal network. The police commend the public for their continued cooperation in combating crime and encourage everyone to remain vigilant and alert to new criminal tactics.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime and the importance of public awareness and proactive measures to safeguard personal information. The arrest of Matthias Aya is a significant victory for law enforcement, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public to effectively combat these evolving criminal threats. The police are committed to pursuing all leads and bringing all those involved in this fraudulent scheme to justice, ensuring the safety and security of the community. The ongoing investigation promises to shed further light on the extent of the operation and the individuals involved, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure environment for all.
