Bauchi police detain fraud suspect and recover ₦3 million of stolen electronics

The Bauchi State Police Command announced the arrest of a suspected fraudster and the recovery of electronic goods valued at roughly ₦3 million. The operation, disclosed on 8 November 2026, followed a report from a 65‑year‑old businessman in New GRA, Bauchi, who said he had been duped by two men posing as customers.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Nafiu Habib, the incident occurred on 26 October 2026 when Alex T. Bwacha, a 34‑year‑old resident of Gombe State, and an accomplice identified as Bako Akin of Jos, Plateau State, visited the complainant’s shop at Fire Service Junction. The duo allegedly purchased a Hisense 50‑inch television, a Hisense 58‑inch television, a TCL 43‑inch television, a Hisense sound bar, two Hisense air‑conditioners and an LCT home theatre, all amounting to ₦3 million. Before leaving, they sent a counterfeit bank alert to the shop owner as proof of payment and then fled.

Detectives from the ‘B’ Division responded swiftly, launching a discreet investigation that led to the arrest of Bwacha and the recovery of some of the stolen items from his possession. The inquiry was later extended to Jos, where the remaining appliances were retrieved, ensuring that all the stolen goods were accounted for. Bwacha remains in police custody, while authorities continue to search for his accomplice, Akin, who is still at large. The suspect is expected to face charges once the investigation concludes.

Background

The fraud case forms part of the Bauchi State Police’s broader campaign to protect local businesses, dismantle criminal syndicates and bring fraudsters to justice. The command’s statement highlighted that the police received the initial complaint on 30 October 2026 at about 1:30 p.m., prompting immediate action. State Commissioner of Police Sani‑Omolori Aliyu praised the detectives for their rapid response and professionalism, noting that the successful recovery of the items demonstrated effective policing.

Both the Punch and Tribune reports provide consistent details about the suspects, the nature of the scam, the items involved and the police response. The only minor variation is the inclusion of the suspect’s middle initial “T.” in the Tribune account, while the Punch article refers to him simply as Alex Bwacha.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the vulnerability of traders to sophisticated scams that use fake bank alerts to simulate legitimate payments. By recovering the full value of the stolen goods, the police have mitigated the financial loss for the affected businessman and sent a deterrent signal to other potential fraudsters. The police’s emphasis on confirming payments through banks before releasing goods aims to protect the wider business community in Bauchi and beyond.

Commissioner Aliyu’s warning to criminal elements reinforces the command’s commitment to ongoing surveillance, arrests and prosecutions of fraud networks. The case also highlights inter‑state cooperation, as the investigation spanned Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states.

What happens next

Police continue to pursue the fleeing accomplice, Bako Akin, with efforts intensified across Jos, Plateau State. The arrested suspect, Alex T. Bwacha, will be formally charged after the investigation’s conclusion. Authorities have urged merchants to verify bank transactions directly with their financial institutions and to report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station.