Police arrest 5 over fake bank alerts, recover suspected counterfeit foreign currencies in Yobe

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested five suspects over alleged fraud involving fake bank transfer alerts and recovered counterfeit foreign currencies during a raid on their hideout.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who disclosed this in a statement on July 19, 2026 said the suspects allegedly conspired to obtain 10 bags of fertiliser valued at N488,000 after falsely claiming they had transferred payment to the seller.

According to him, the Potistum Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress report on Saturday from the victim, who alleged that the suspects deceived him with a fake bank transfer alerts before taking possession of the fertiliser. 

“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,” the statement read. 

“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.

“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.