TheCable

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested suspected train ticket racketeers in Abuja and Kaduna.

In a statement on Monday, Tony Orilade, acting spokesman of the EFCC, said operatives from the Abuja zonal office, on Saturday, arrested five suspects during a sting operation at the Idu and Kubwa train stations following an intelligence report.

He listed the suspects as Clement Zakka, Udim Sunday Samson, Adams Danladi, Otitomoni Omobolanle and Hassan Dauda.

The commission said the activity of the racketeers is sabotaging government’s efforts in ensuring easy transportation across the country.

Orilade added that operatives of the Kaduna zonal office of the commission, on Sunday, also arrested ticket racketeers at the Rigasa train station.

“Investigations revealed that some members of staff of the station in connivance with some touts were defrauding unsuspecting travellers and selling train tickets at a higher rate,” he said.

“For economy ticket of N1,300 /N1,500 they were selling at a rate of N2,000 to N5,000 and for First Class which goes for N2,500 was being sold for between N7,000 to N15,000.

“Three persons, including a staff of the station and two touts have been arrested.

“The Station Manager, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parcel Booking Officer of the Kaduna Railway Station have also been invited for questioning.”

Orilade said all the suspects will be charged to court soon.