The Yobe State Police Command has arrested five suspects for allegedly defrauding a victim through fake bank transfer alerts and recovering suspected counterfeit foreign currencies during a raid on their hideout. The suspects were taken into custody on July 18, 2026, after they allegedly obtained 10 bags of fertiliser valued at N488,000 by falsely claiming to have made a bank transfer payment.
Details of the Arrest
The command's spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement on July 19, 2026. According to him, the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress report on Saturday from the victim, who alleged that the suspects deceived him with fake bank transfer alerts before taking possession of the fertiliser. The suspects were identified as Mohammad Ibrahim of Don Etiebet Estate, Damaturu; Abdullahi Aliyu of Kofar Ruwa, Kano State; Muhammad Mukhtar of Commissioner's Quarters, Damaturu; Mohammad Bashir; and Alhaji Ahmad Mohammad, both of Obasanjo Road, Damaturu.
Police operatives swiftly mobilised and deployed intelligence-led policing strategies, arresting the suspects before they could dispose of the goods. A valid search warrant was executed at the suspects' hotel room in Damaturu, where several exhibits were recovered.
Recovered Exhibits
The items recovered include ten pieces of suspected counterfeit U.S. $100 notes, fifty-six pieces of 50,000 Somali Shilling notes suspected to be counterfeit, one calabash, one black-and-white cloth, bottles of perfume, and various suspected charms and ritual items. The recovered foreign currencies are reasonably suspected to be counterfeit.
Investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the fake currencies, establish whether the syndicate is involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit notes, and uncover other members of the criminal network. The suspects are assisting the police with useful information.
Police Condemnation and Warning
The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, strongly condemned the acts of fraud and warned the public to remain vigilant. He directed that comprehensive investigations be concluded without delay and assured members of the public that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The commissioner also advised residents to verify electronic payment transactions before releasing goods and exercise caution when dealing with foreign currencies.
He reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
