The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected fraudster who allegedly acquired electronic appliances valued at N3 million using a fraudulent bank alert. This development was disclosed by the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
According to the police, the suspect’s capture is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard local businesses and dismantle criminal networks targeting unsuspecting traders. Habib confirmed that all stolen goods have been recovered and that efforts are continuing to apprehend an accomplice who remains at large.
The incident reportedly took place on October 30, 2026, when a 65-year-old businessman from New GRA, Bauchi, filed a report at the ‘B’ Division GRA, claiming he had been deceived by two men. The report indicated that Alex Bwacha, 34, a resident of Gombe State, supposedly conspired with Bako Akin from Jos, Plateau State, to perpetrate the fraud.
Habib detailed that the suspects visited the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction, posing as genuine customers before making their purchase of various electronic items. These included a Hisense 50-inch television, a Hisense 58-inch television, a TCL 43-inch television, a Hisense sound bar, two Hisense air conditioners, and an LCT home theater. The duo allegedly sent a fake bank alert to the complainant, which they presented as proof of payment, before disappearing.
Following the report, detectives from the ‘B’ Division launched an investigation that led to Bwacha’s arrest and the recovery of some stolen items. Further inquiries extended to Jos, resulting in the recovery of all stolen goods. The spokesperson confirmed that the accused is currently in police custody and will face legal action once the investigation concludes.
Habib also noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, praised the detectives for their quick and professional reaction, which facilitated the recovery of the stolen items. The command has issued a warning against fraudulent schemes targeting traders, emphasizing their commitment to identifying and prosecuting offenders.
