The Yobe State Police Command has arrested six suspects for alleged currency counterfeiting in various parts of Yobe state. The arrests were made as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and combat all forms of crime across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, in a statement on Sunday disclosed, “The Police has recorded another significant breakthrough, which led to the arrest of a syndicate involved in fraud, counterfeiting of foreign currencies, and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under false pretenses.”
The arrested suspects include Abdullahi Hassan, 40; Mohammed Badaru, 53; Ya’u Adamu Yellow, 25; Adamu Umar Doctor, 35; and Salisu Abdullahi, 25.
Abdulkarim further stated: “The breakthrough followed a complaint lodged on 12th May 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. by a victim and a resident behind the New Prison Area in Potiskum. The complainant reported to the police that sometime in March 2026, the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the sum of ₦49.21 million from him under the false pretense of producing money for him.”
The SP explained that preliminary investigation also revealed that part of the money, amounting to ₦430,000, was transferred through an OPay account (No. 9012923687) bearing Badaru Alhassan Gadau, while the remaining balance was allegedly collected in cash. Further findings indicated that after collecting the money, the suspects failed to fulfill their promise and allegedly compelled the complainant to swear with the Qur’an, threatening that he would die should he disclose the transaction to anyone.
Upon receipt of the complaint, personnel of Yindiski Division, Potiskum swiftly mobilized and, through intelligence-led and coordinated operations, apprehended five suspects found in possession of large quantities of suspected counterfeit foreign currencies from different countries. He said the recovered exhibits from the suspects include suspected counterfeit West African CFA Franc notes and Moroccan currency denominations, several mobile phones, white cloth materials, calabash/ritual-related items, containers with unidentified substances, a backpack, and other suspected items believed to have been used in facilitating fraudulent activities and deceiving unsuspecting victims. The exhibits have been documented and are undergoing further forensic and investigative examination.
The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and are currently assisting investigators with useful information to aid the progress of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin Kanfani, commended the personnel for their professionalism and successful operation. He directed a discreet and thorough investigation into the case and ordered intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and any criminal elements operating with similar motives. The CP further directed heightened surveillance and sustained 24-hour patrols across the state to ensure Yobe remains hostile and inaccessible to criminal elements.
