Man Arrested for Fraud in Bauchi, Stolen Goods Worth N3m Recovered

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of fraud and recovered stolen electronics worth N3 million.

The police are also trying to find the suspect's accomplice who is still on the run.

Nafiu Habib, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared this news in a statement released on Saturday. He said the arrest is part of the police's efforts to protect businesses and stop criminals who target innocent traders.

Habib explained that on October 30, 2026, around 1:30 pm, a 65-year-old businessman from New GRA, Bauchi, reported to the 'B' Division GRA that two men had defrauded him.

The PPRO said the complainant told them that on October 26, 2026, at about 1 pm, one Alex Bwacha, 34, from Gombe State, conspired with one Bako Akin, who is from Jos in Plateau State and is currently on the run, to defraud him.

The suspects went to the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction, Bauchi, pretending to be real customers. They bought electronic appliances worth N3 million.

Habib listed the stolen items as one Hisense 50-inch television, one Hisense 58-inch television, one TCL 43-inch television, one Hisense sound bar, two Hisense air conditioners, and one LCT home theatre.

He added that the suspects sent a fake bank alert to the complainant as proof of payment before they vanished.

“Upon receiving the report, detectives from the 'B' Division quickly took action and started a discreet investigation,” the statement said.

Habib noted that they arrested the main suspect, Bwacha, and recovered some of the stolen items from him. He said the investigation went to Jos, where they found the remaining items.

“All the stolen items have now been recovered. The arrested suspect is in police custody, and we are working hard to catch the accomplice who is still at large,” the PPRO stated.

He mentioned that the suspect would be taken to court after the investigation is complete.

The PPRO also said the state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, praised the detectives for their quick response and professionalism, which helped in the arrest and recovery of the stolen goods.

Habib warned criminals against defrauding innocent traders with fake bank alerts and other scams. He stressed that the police will keep tracking, arresting, and prosecuting offenders.

He urged the public, especially business owners, to always confirm payments through their banks before handing over goods. They should also report any suspicious transactions to the nearest police station.