Bauchi Police Arrest Suspected Fake Bank Alert Fraudster, Recover ₦3 Million Electronics.
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 34 year old man over an alleged fake bank alert scam involving electronic appliances valued at ₦3 million, with all the stolen items reportedly recovered.
The suspect, identified as Alex T. Bwacha, was arrested following an investigation into a complaint lodged by a 65 year old businessman in Bauchi State. His alleged accomplice, identified as Bako Akin, reportedly from Jos, Plateau State, remains at large.
According to the police, the incident occurred on October 26, 2026, when the two suspects allegedly visited the businessman’s shop at Fire Service Junction in Bauchi, pretending to be genuine customers.
The suspects reportedly selected several electronic appliances, including two Hisense television sets measuring 50 and 58 inches, a TCL 43 inch television, a Hisense sound bar, two Hisense air conditioners and an LCT home theatre.
The items were collectively valued at approximately ₦3 million.
However, rather than making a genuine payment, the suspects allegedly sent a fabricated bank transaction alert to convince the trader that the money had been transferred before leaving with the appliances.
The businessman subsequently discovered the alleged fraudulent transaction and reported the incident to the ‘B’ Division of the Bauchi State Police Command on October 30, 2026.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said detectives launched an investigation that resulted in Bwacha’s arrest and the recovery of some of the stolen property.
He further disclosed that the investigation extended to Jos, Plateau State, where the remaining appliances were recovered. Police confirmed that all the stolen items had been retrieved.
The arrested suspect remains in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend his alleged accomplice.
The command stated that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for their response and successful recovery operation.
He warned individuals involved in fraudulent activities to desist from exploiting traders through fake bank alerts and other deceptive payment methods.
The police commissioner also advised business owners to adopt stricter payment verification practices, particularly when conducting transactions with unfamiliar customers.
Fake Bank Alerts: A Growing Concern for Businesses
The incident highlights the financial risks associated with fake payment notifications, a fraudulent practice that can expose traders and business owners to significant losses.
Unlike genuine bank transfers, fabricated alerts do not represent actual deposits into a recipient’s account. Fraudsters may exploit merchants’ trust in transaction notifications to collect goods without making payment.
For business owners, the Bauchi police have reiterated the importance of independently confirming incoming payments through official banking channels before releasing goods.
The case also underscores the importance of effective police investigations and cooperation between security agencies and the public in addressing financial fraud and protecting commercial activities.
As investigations continue, attention remains on the police effort to apprehend the second suspect and ensure that everyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal process.