Fake Bank Alert: Police Arrest Suspect, Recover N3m Electronics In Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster and recovered stolen electronic appliances valued at N3 million following an alleged fake bank alert transaction involving a businessman in the state.

The Command also said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s fleeing accomplice.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the incident was reported on October 30, 2026, by a 65-year-old businessman residing in New GRA, Bauchi, at the ‘B’ Division Police Station, GRA.

Habib said the complainant reported that on October 26, 2026, one Alex T. 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 explained that the suspects visited the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction, Bauchi, and pretended to be genuine customers before purchasing electronic appliances comprising two Hisense television sets measuring 50 and 58 inches, one TCL 43-inch television, one Hisense soundbar, two Hisense air conditioners and one LCT home theatre. The items were valued at N3 million.

The Police spokesperson said the suspects allegedly sent a fake bank alert to the businessman as proof of payment before leaving the shop with the items and disappearing to an unknown destination.

Following the report, Habib said detectives attached to the ‘B’ Division swiftly commenced a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Alex T. Bwacha, and the recovery of some of the stolen items.

He added that the investigation was subsequently extended to Jos, Plateau State, where the remaining items were recovered.

According to him, all the stolen items have now been recovered, while the arrested suspect remains in police custody as efforts are intensified to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.

He said the investigation was ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon its conclusion.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for their swift response and professionalism, which led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen property.

The commissioner also warned criminal elements to desist from defrauding innocent traders through fake bank alerts and other fraudulent means, stressing that the Command would continue to track down, arrest and prosecute offenders.

He urged members of the public, particularly business owners, to always confirm payments directly through their banks before releasing goods to customers.

The Command further advised traders to promptly report suspicious transactions and activities to the nearest police station.