Police arrest three over N22m fraud in Jigawa, recover 36 ATM cards

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested three suspects in separate fraud-related cases involving more than N22 million, recovered 36 ATM cards allegedly used for banking fraud, and retrieved a stolen motorcycle abandoned by fleeing robbery suspects during a series of operations across the state.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, detectives also recovered a revolver pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition and two expended shells after suspected motorcycle robbers abandoned the weapon while fleeing from the police.

One of the major arrests followed an investigation into an alleged criminal breach of trust reported at the Dutse Divisional Police Headquarters on July 5.

The statement said Hafsatu Usman of Dutse Local Government Area was entrusted with N10.5 million but allegedly absconded with the money.

“Through intelligence gathering and technical investigation, the suspect’s phone was successfully tracked, leading to her arrest in Gombe State,” the statement affirmed.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Dutse, for further investigation and prosecution.

In another case, detectives attached to Gumel Division uncovered what police described as a sophisticated fraud syndicate following a complaint by Ado Muhammad of Jobi in Maigatari Local Government Area.

Investigators alleged that fraudsters posing as spiritual money-makers on WhatsApp deceived the complainant’s wife, who resides in Saudi Arabia, into transferring N12.923 million through multiple bank accounts.

Police said investigations led to the arrest of 21-year-old Ismail Adam Abdullahi of Hayin Ojo, Bakin Dogo Quarters, Zaria, Kaduna State.

According to the statement, “the suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation,” adding that the matter had also been transferred to the SCID for discreet investigation and prosecution.

In a separate operation, officers attached to Kazaure Division arrested 27-year-old Kassim Ali of Gyadi-Gyadi Quarters, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, following a distress call from Access Bank on July 9.

Police alleged that the suspect tampered with a female customer’s ATM card and fraudulently withdrew money from her account.

The command said investigations revealed that the suspect and an accomplice, who is still at large, specialised in carrying out similar crimes at banks.

“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of 36 ATM cards belonging to various banks,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, police operatives attached to Gwaram Division foiled an attempt to steal a motorcycle after responding to reports of an unconscious man lying in a pool of blood along the New Gwaram-Kila Road in the early hours of July 16.

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Abdullahi Garba of Falai Village in Gwaram Local Government Area, was allegedly attacked by two passengers who struck him on the head with a hammer before fleeing with his motorcycle.

According to the police, the suspects abandoned the motorcycle and a revolver pistol loaded with four live rounds and two expended shells after they were pursued by responding officers.

The victim was rushed to hospital and is responding to treatment, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.