From Auwal Salim, Damaturu
The Yobe State Police Command, in its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and combat all forms of crime across the state, has recorded another breakthrough with the arrest of a syndicate involved in fraud, counterfeiting foreign currencies, and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under false pretenses.
This is contained in a statement signed and made available to this medium by the Yobe State, Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim.
Dungus said :
” The breakthrough followed a complaint lodged on 12th May, 2026, at about 1430hrs by a victim residing behind the New Prison Area, Potiskum.
“The complainant reported that sometime in March 2026, the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the sum of Forty-Nine Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦49,200,000.00) from him under the false pretense of producing money for him”.
Preliminary investigation revealed that part of the money, amounting to Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira (₦430,000.00), 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.
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.
Recovered exhibits 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 are:
Abdullahi Hassan, 40 years, of Dogo Nini Ward, Potiskum
Mohammed Badaru, 43 years, of Azare, Bauchi State
Ya’u Adamu Yellow, 25 years, of Dambam, Bauchi State
Adamu Umar Doctor, 35 years, of Dambam, Bauchi State
Salisu Abdullahi, 25 years, of Sumaila, Kano State
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, CP Usman Jibrin Kanfani, psc, mspsp, 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.
The Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
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