Yobe State Police Command said its operatives have arrested a five-member syndicate specializing in defrauding unsuspecting victims.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday which indicated that the arrest is another significant achievement in its fight against crime and criminality in the state.

“The suspects, namely: Abdullahi Suleman (62); Sani Salisu (30); Nasiru Mohd (30); Alhasan Illiya (55) from Potiskum LGA, Yobe State, as well as Weti Mohd (43) from Ngorore, Adamawa State, were apprehended on January 6, 2025, at about 1630hrs by the joint operations of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and Tarmuwa Divisional Police Headquarters”, SP Abdulkarim said.

According to the PPRO, the suspects’ modus operandi involves approaching targets, pretending to be travelers seeking for assistance, and subsequently deceiving them into parting with large sums of money under the guise of performing fetish work to ward off enemies and bring prosperity.

“The syndicate’s latest victim, Mallam Audu Shehu of Shekau Village, Tarmuwa LGA, was defrauded of N500,000.00. However, the stolen money was recovered intact during a search of the suspects’ possessions.

“The suspects confessed to the crime, revealing that this was their first operation in Yobe State, although they had been active in Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba States for over three years” he added.

The State Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, through the Command’s Spokesperson reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring security and safety in the state.

He urged the public to be cautious of impostors posing as marabouts or security agents to defraud community members.

The Command advised residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station and remain vigilant.

“Investigation is ongoing for subsequent prosecution. The following exhibits were recovered: a Mercedes-Benz saloon car, a bunch of paper notes, N500,000.00 in cash, and six granite pebbles”, he said.

Police arrests 5-member syndicate over criminal conspiracy, fraud, recover stolen vehicle