The Yobe State Police Command has disclosed that it recorded a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat the rising trend of phone theft and ATM card fraud in the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday night, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, it stated that, “operatives from the State Intelligence Department successfully arrested a highly specialized criminal syndicate notorious for using stolen mobile phones to gain authorized access to unsuspecting victims’ bank accounts and perpetrate various Internet and ATM fraud schemes.
“The suspects, arrested at Lale Guest Hotel, included: Abba Ali (23) of Gwange, Damaturu; Abdullahi Mohammed (22) of Baga Road, Maiduguri; Yakubu Ba’a Mai (19) of Nayi Nawa, Damaturu; Usman Mohammed of One Million Road, Damaturu; Abdullahi Mohammed (23) of Nayi Nawa, Damaturu; Abubakar Mohammed (25) of Bulunkutu, Maiduguri; Mohammed Umar (21) of Bolori, Maiduguri; Sani Aminu (18) of Bulunkutu, Maiduguri; and Umar Abba (25) of Ummarari, Maiduguri,” Dungus stated.
He narrated further, “The arrests followed several complaints from victims of phone snatching, internet fraud, and unauthorized bank transactions.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their crimes and demonstrated some of the methods they used to steal and manipulate victims’ phones to retrieve PIN codes and passwords for fraudulent transactions,” the statement revealed.
He indicated that, “The police recovered 12 Android phones and other valuable items used in perpetrating their criminal activities,” adding that, “Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.”
The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, commended the operatives for their commitment and urged them to sustain the momentum, even as he reiterated the command’s determination to keep criminal elements in check and ensure that Yobe State remains safe.
He also cautioned hotel operators against providing safe havens for criminals, warning that anyone found aiding or harbouring suspects will face legal consequences.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, as their reports matter,” the statement stressed.
