BAUCHI POLICE ARREST SUSPECT OVER N3M FAKE BANK ALERT FRAUD, RECOVER STOLEN ELECTRONICS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster and recovered electronic appliances valued at N3m allegedly obtained through a fake bank alert.

The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s fleeing accomplice.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, describing the arrest as part of efforts to protect businesses, dismantle criminal syndicates and bring fraudsters targeting traders to justice.

Habib said a 65-year-old businessman residing in New GRA, Bauchi, reported the incident at the ‘B’ Division GRA on October 30, 2026.

According to him, the complainant alleged that on October 26, 2026, at about 1pm, one Alex Bwacha, 34, from Gombe State, conspired with Bako Akin, a resident of Jos, Plateau State, who is currently at large, to defraud him.

He said the suspects visited the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction, Bauchi, under the guise of genuine customers and purchased electronic appliances worth N3m.

The items included a Hisense 50-inch television, a Hisense 58-inch television, a TCL 43-inch television, a Hisense sound bar, two Hisense air conditioners and an LCT home theatre.

The suspects allegedly sent a fake bank alert to the trader as proof of payment before leaving with the appliances.

“Upon receipt of the report, detectives from the ‘B’ Division swiftly swung into action and commenced a discreet investigation,” the statement read.

Habib said detectives subsequently arrested Bwacha and recovered some of the stolen items from him, while further investigations led to the recovery of the remaining appliances in Jos.

“All the stolen items have now been recovered. The arrested suspect is in police custody, while efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing accomplice,” the PPRO stated.

He added that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for their swift response and professionalism, which led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen property.

Habib warned fraudsters against targeting traders with fake bank alerts and other fraudulent schemes, assuring that the command would continue to track down and prosecute offenders.

He advised business owners to confirm payments directly with their banks before releasing goods and promptly report suspicious transactions to the nearest police station.

In a separate operation on Saturday, the command arrested two suspected suppliers of rubber solution and rescued 17 minors allegedly found abusing the substance in Bauchi metropolis.

The police said the operation was part of efforts to protect children, dismantle drug supply networks and improve community safety.