The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster and recovered stolen electronic appliances valued at N3 million, in a case that highlights the growing risk posed by fake bank alerts to traders across Nigeria.
The command also stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s fleeing accomplice.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the development in a statement released on Saturday. He noted that the arrest formed part of the command’s efforts to protect businesses, dismantle criminal syndicates and bring fraudsters targeting innocent traders to justice.
Habib explained that on October 30, 2026, at about 1:30 pm, a 65-year-old businessman residing in New GRA, Bauchi, reported at the ‘B’ Division GRA that he had been defrauded by two men.
According to the PPRO, the complainant said that on October 26, 2026, at about 1 pm, one Alex Bwacha, 34, a resident of Gombe State, allegedly conspired with one Bako Akin of Jos, Plateau State, who is currently at large, to defraud him.
He said the suspects visited the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction, Bauchi, pretending to be genuine customers before purchasing electronic appliances worth N3 million.
Habib listed the 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 allegedly sent a fake bank alert to the complainant as proof of payment before disappearing to an unknown destination.
Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Items
According to the statement, detectives from the ‘B’ Division swung into action swiftly upon receipt of the report and commenced a discreet investigation.
Habib said the principal suspect, Bwacha, was subsequently arrested, while some of the stolen items were recovered from him. He added that the investigation was extended to Jos, where the remaining items were recovered.
“All the stolen items have now been recovered. The arrested suspect is in police custody, while efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing accomplice,” the PPRO stated.
He said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Police Commissioner Commends Detectives
The PPRO further disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for their swift response and professionalism, which led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen items.
Habib warned criminal elements against defrauding innocent traders through fake bank alerts and other fraudulent means, stressing that the command would continue to track, arrest and prosecute offenders.
He urged members of the public, particularly business owners, to always confirm payments through their banks before releasing goods and to promptly report suspicious transactions to the nearest police station.
Why Traders Should Verify Payments Before Releasing Goods
The Bauchi case underscores a recurring challenge for business owners, particularly those dealing in high-value goods such as electronics and household appliances. Fraudsters increasingly exploit the trust placed in bank alerts, presenting what appears to be confirmation of payment while goods are handed over before funds are actually credited.
Police authorities have repeatedly advised traders to verify transactions directly through their banking channels rather than relying solely on SMS notifications, which can be forged or manipulated. Confirming that funds have cleared before releasing goods remains one of the most effective safeguards against this type of fraud.
The arrest and full recovery of the stolen appliances in this case reflect the role of prompt reporting in enabling investigators to act quickly. The command’s extension of the investigation to Jos, where the remaining items were found, also demonstrates how fraud networks can span multiple states.
As the case moves toward prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations, the Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting businesses and dismantling the syndicates behind such schemes. Traders are encouraged to remain vigilant and to treat any payment confirmation with the caution it deserves until the funds are verified.
