NGANJUK – Police have uncovered a crime involving three individuals, including a woman, who stole a student’s phone by pretending to recruit members for a martial arts school. The incident occurred in front of the Pacekulon gas station in Pace District, Nganjuk Regency.
The three suspects, AL alias Lucky Wijaya (21), KJ alias Pakek (25), residents of Saradan, Madiun Regency, and AR alias Rika (24), a woman from Gadungan Village, Puncu District, Kediri Regency, have been named as suspects and are currently undergoing legal proceedings.
“They used the tactic of pretending to recruit members for a martial arts school. After the victim stopped, the perpetrators intimidated them and stole their phones,” said the Pace Police Chief.
The incident began on June 13, 2025, when Arya (18), a student, was passing by with a friend near the Pacekulon gas station. Suddenly, two strangers stopped them, claiming to check their membership in a martial arts school.
When Arya denied any affiliation with any group, the two perpetrators instead intimidated them and stole their two phones. Later, police investigations revealed the involvement of AR alias Rika, who participated in planning and executing the crime.
Police arrested all three suspects early Wednesday morning (July 16, 2025). Several pieces of evidence were seized, including a Redmi Note 14, a Honda Vario motorcycle, helmets, two jackets, and jeans worn during the robbery.
The police chief emphasized that this firm action was part of efforts to ensure public safety. The three suspects are charged under Article 378 of the Criminal Code on Fraud and/or Article 372 on Embezzlement, with a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
“We hope this serves as a strong warning to other street criminals. The public must remain vigilant and report any similar incidents immediately,” he concluded.
