Yobe Police command has apprehended a group of individuals accused of posing as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to carry out a fraudulent scheme amounting to N78,900,000.00.
In an official crime bulletin released on Friday, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the force’s commitment to tackling such criminal activities through comprehensive investigations.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by Ibrahim Mohammed and Abubakar Usman of Abasha Ward, Damaturu, citing criminal conspiracy, cheating, and breach of trust.
The complainants alleged that Mohammed Modu of Nayi Nawa Ward, Damaturu, had failed to honor an agreement after collecting 180 bags of maize grains valued at N40,000 each, totaling N7,400,000.
The grains were intended for donation to an NGO in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Upon delayed payment and non-return of the goods, the State Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, directed the State Intelligence Department to launch an immediate investigation.
On January 30, 2024, the primary suspect, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, aged 44, from Anguwan Sinusi, Kaduna State, was apprehended in Kaduna State.
Accompanying her were Sunday Ezra Haruna, aged 35, the gang’s secretary, and Ishaku Abdulsallam, aged 40, the accountant, arrested in separate locations in Kano and Maiduguri.
The fraudulent trio had targeted unsuspecting victims, primarily farmers and marketers, offering contracts under the guise of NGO officials.
They deceived individuals into selling food items on credit with promises of payment post-delivery for donation to IDP camps.
However, the suspects sold the goods at lower prices without the victims’ consent and disappeared with the proceeds.
Among the victims were Mohd Modu, defrauded of maize grains worth N7.4 million; Ibrahim Mohd and Abubakar Usman, defrauded of maize grains worth N22 million; Alh. Arma Yau Yahaya of Bauchi State, defrauded of rice worth N29.995 million; and Ishaku Salihu Chaptu of Mangu, Plateau State, defrauded of maize grains worth N22 million.
Detectives managed to rescue two other victims before their supplies were offloaded.
Currently, seven suspects are detained in connection with receiving stolen property and illegal purchasing. Abdulkarim emphasized the legitimacy of NGOs, cautioning against entities demanding money as part of operational procedures.
The Commissioner of Police urged the community to remain vigilant against fraudulent individuals posing as NGOs and assured continued efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in similar activities.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
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