Fake bank alert: Police recover N3m stolen electronics in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Alex T. Bwacha, over the alleged defrauding of a businessman of electronic appliances worth N3 million in Bauchi State.

The police also recovered all the stolen items, including three television sets, a sound bar, two air conditioners and a home theatre.

The command’s spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Bauchi.

Habib said the suspect allegedly worked with another man, identified as Bako Akin, who is currently at large, to defraud the businessman through a fake bank alert.

He said the suspects visited the victim’s shop at Fire Service Junction, Bauchi, on October 26, 2026, pretending to be genuine customers.

According to the police, they 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, valued at N3 million.

The statement said the suspects sent a fake bank alert to the trader as proof of payment before leaving with the items.

It added that the 65-year-old businessman reported the incident at the ‘B’ Division of the command on October 30, prompting detectives to launch an investigation.

“Consequently, the principal suspect, Alex T. Bwacha, was arrested, and part of the stolen items were recovered from him.

“Furthermore, investigation was extended to Jos, Plateau State, where the remaining items were also recovered,” the statement said.

The police said the arrested suspect remained in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.

It added that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for recovering the items and warned fraudsters against using fake bank alerts to defraud traders.

He also urged business owners to confirm payments directly with their banks before releasing goods to customers.