The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old suspect, Alex T. Bwacha, and recovered stolen electronic appliances valued at N3 million following an alleged fake bank alert transaction involving a 65-year-old businessman. The incident was reported on October 30, 2026, at the ‘B’ Division Police Station, GRA. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspect and his accomplice, Bako Akin of Jos, Plateau State, allegedly conspired to defraud the businessman.
The suspects visited the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction, Bauchi, on October 26, 2026, and pretended to be genuine customers. They purchased electronic appliances comprising two Hisense television sets, one TCL 43-inch television, one Hisense soundbar, two Hisense air conditioners, and one LCT home theatre, valued at N3 million. The suspects allegedly sent a fake bank alert to the businessman as proof of payment before leaving the shop with the items.
Following the report, detectives attached to the ‘B’ Division commenced a discreet investigation, leading to the arrest of Alex T. Bwacha and the recovery of some of the stolen items. The investigation was extended to Jos, Plateau State, where the remaining items were recovered. According to SP Nafiu Habib, all the stolen items have now been recovered, while the arrested suspect remains in police custody.
The Police Command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the suspect’s fleeing accomplice, Bako Akin. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will 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.
CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu warned criminal elements to desist from defrauding innocent traders through fake bank alerts and other fraudulent means. He stressed that the Command would continue to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders. The commissioner urged members of the public, particularly business owners, to always confirm payments directly through their banks before releasing goods to customers.
The Police Command advised traders to promptly report suspicious transactions and activities to the nearest police station. The public is warned to be cautious of fake bank alerts and other fraudulent schemes. The arrested suspect is currently in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Bauchi State Police Command is working to prevent similar incidents in the future. The public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. The recovered items have been returned to their rightful owner, and the suspect will face charges upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Key points
- The Bauchi State Police Command recovered N3 million worth of stolen electronics.
- The suspect, Alex T. Bwacha, was arrested and is currently in police custody.
- The police are still searching for the suspect's accomplice, Bako Akin.
