How I Ended Up In Police Custody Over N4m Ransom Payment Transaction – POS Operator

A Point of Sale (POS) operators in Delta State has narrated how she landed in trouble for unwittingly facilitating ransom payments of N4 million linked to a kidnapper.

The suspect who was paraded by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said that she received N4,000,000 on behalf of kidnappers unknowing to her that it was a ransom payment.

She said that the prime suspect who collected her account where the money was transferred to, has been her customer unknowing to her that he was into kidnapping.

According to her, the prime suspect gave her a list of accounts where she later credited money to, not knowing that it was share from the ransom payment they collected from a victim.

Reacting to the development, 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.