Police operatives in Bauchi State have arrested a 34-year-old man, Glory Samuel for allegedly defrauding a businessman to the tune of N120 million.
In a press statement issued by the police command yesterday, Samuel’s arrest followed a complaint filed on April 1, 2024 on the suspicious withdrawal of N2,068,000 from the complainant’s company bank account.
In the statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the police acted under the directive of the commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed.
The State Intelligence Department (SID) promptly investigated the case and discovered that the suspect had withdrawn the sum of N120 million from the complainant’s bank account.
According to Wakil, during interrogation, the suspect admitted to betraying the trust of his neighbour, the complainant, with whom he had shared a market space for over 15 years.
“Samuel disclosed that a friend he had met at Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi in 2011, before dropping out of computer science programme, convinced him that he could make money by accessing a wealthy individual’s phone.
“Exploiting the complainant’s trust, Samuel deceitfully borrowed the phone, allowing his accomplice to install financial applications such as Opay and MoneyPoint. This access enabled them to transfer the funds to different bank accounts on various occasions,” Wakil said.
“Following discreet investigation, some items were recovered and they included; eight tricycles (Keke Napep), N35 million in cash, two uncompleted buildings, 60 bags of cooking charcoal, 30 bags of fertiliser, two motorcycles and two industrial sewing machines,” the police said.
The suspect, whose lifestyle had changed, told his uncle and girlfriend that he was earning money from an online business when they inquired about his newfound income.
The police said the suspect will face legal charges in court.
Wakil said the commissioner of police has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and ensure the security of their financial platforms.
