Police recover ₦10.08 million as investigators pursue other suspects linked to the alleged unauthorised withdrawal from a customer’s account
The Borno State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of ₦39.208 million from a customer’s bank account in Maiduguri, recovering ₦10.08 million as investigators intensify efforts to track down other members of the suspected syndicate.
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The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the arrests followed an intelligence-driven investigation into the alleged cyber-enabled financial crime.
According to the statement, the case originated from a complaint lodged with the police on April 17, 2026, after unidentified individuals allegedly gained unauthorised access to a customer’s bank account in the Bolori area of Maiduguri and withdrew ₦39,208,000.
“The case followed a complaint received on 17 April 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., unknown individuals unlawfully gained access to the complainant’s bank account and fraudulently withdrew the sum of ₦39,208,000,” Daso said.
The command said detectives attached to its Crack Squad immediately commenced an investigation, deploying intelligence-led policing and digital forensic techniques to trace those behind the alleged fraud.
The operation culminated in the arrest of 23-year-old Ibrahim Alhaji Gaji and 39-year-old Umar Mohammed, also known as Baba Alhaji, on June 27, 2026.
“During the operation, the sum of ₦10,080,000 was recovered from the suspects,” the statement added.
Police said the investigation remains active, with efforts focused on recovering the outstanding balance and identifying other individuals believed to have participated in the alleged fraud.
“Investigation is ongoing, with sustained efforts aimed at recovering the outstanding balance and apprehending other individuals connected to the crime.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement said.
Reacting to the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, reaffirmed the command’s determination to combat cybercrime and financial fraud across the state.
The police chief also urged bank customers to remain vigilant by safeguarding sensitive banking information, including passwords, PINs and one-time authentication codes, while promptly reporting suspicious transactions or cyber-related incidents to the nearest police station.
The significant recovery comes amid growing concerns over the increasing sophistication of cyber-enabled financial crimes in Nigeria.
Law enforcement agencies have continued to strengthen intelligence gathering and digital forensic capabilities to dismantle criminal networks targeting bank customers through unauthorised account access, identity theft and electronic fraud.
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The Borno State Police Command said it remains committed to ensuring all those connected to the alleged fraud are brought to justice as the investigation progresses.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
