From Auwal Salim, Damaturu
The Yobe State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained fight against fraud and other organised crimes with the arrest of a criminal syndicate suspected of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through fake bank transfer alerts and the possession of suspected counterfeit foreign currencies.
SP Dungus Abdulkarim,
Police Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Police Force
Yobe State Command disclosed to the journalist.
Dungus said :
On 18 July 2026, at about 1715hrs, the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress report from a victim alleging that earlier the same day, at about 1630hrs, 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, criminally conspired to obtain ten (10) bags of fertiliser valued at ₦488,000.00 after falsely claiming to have effected payment through a bank transfer.
Upon receipt of the complaint, police operatives swiftly mobilised, deployed intelligence-led policing strategies, and arrested the suspects before they could dispose of the goods.
During preliminary investigation, a valid search warrant was executed at the suspects’ hotel room in Damaturu, where the following exhibits were recovered:
– Ten (10) pieces of suspected counterfeit U.S. $100 notes;
– Fifty-six (56) 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.
In another development, on 18 July 2026 at about 1400hrs, operatives attached to Garin Alkali Division, Bursari Local Government Area, arrested one Habu Haruna, 24 years old, of Rainikunu Garu Dole Village, Bursari LGA, for allegedly luring and raping a seven-year-old girl in a nearby bush. The victim was immediately rushed to a medical facility for examination, treatment, and necessary psychosocial support, while investigation continues.
Similarly, on 19 July 2026 at about 1600hrs, detectives attached to Bara Divisional Police Headquarters arrested one Mohammed Yau, 65 years old, of Kojole Village, for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl inside an uncompleted building. Both the victim and the suspect have been taken to a medical facility for forensic and clinical examination to aid investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, has strongly condemned the acts of rape, particularly those involving children, describing them as cruel, inhumane, and unacceptable. 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 remain vigilant against fraudsters, 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.
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