The Yobe State Police Command said its operatives have arrested five suspected criminals for alleged involvement in organised crime, fraud and robbery.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, stated in a statement issued on Sunday that the breakthrough followed a complaint lodged on May 12, 2026, by a victim residing behind the New Prison Area in Potiskum.
According to the statement, the complainant reported that sometime in March 2026, the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the sum of forty-nine million and two hundred thousand naira (N49,200,000) from him under the false pretence of producing money for him.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that part of the money, amounting to four hundred and thirty thousand naira (N430,000.00), was transferred through an OPay account (No. 9012923687) bearing the name 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 Holy Qur’an, threatening that he would die should he disclose the transaction to anyone”, the statement added.
It stated that upon receipt of the complaint, personnel of Yindiski Division, Potiskum, swiftly mobilised and, through intelligence-led and coordinated operations, arrested five suspects found in possession of large quantities of suspected counterfeit foreign currencies from different countries.
The suspects are Abdullahi Hassan, 40, of Dogo Nini Ward, Potiskum; Mohammed Badaru, 43, of Azare, Bauchi State; Yau Adamu Yellow, 25, of Dambam, Bauchi State; Adamu Umar Doctor, 35, of Dambam, Bauchi State; and Salisu Abdullahi, 25, of Sumaila, Kano State.
Recovered exhibits include suspected counterfeit West African CFA franc notes and Moroccan currency denominations, several mobile phones, white cloth materials, and calabash and ritual-related items.
Other items recovered include containers with unidentified substances, a backpack, and other suspected items believed to have been used in facilitating fraudulent activities and deceiving unsuspecting victims.
The command said the suspects had confessed to their involvement in the crime and were currently assisting investigators with useful information to aid the progress of the investigation.
The command added that all exhibits had been documented and were undergoing further forensic and investigative examinations.
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.
Police arrest five suspected fraudsters in Yobe, recover counterfeit foreign currencies
