The Niger State Police Command has apprehended four suspected swindlers who roam around major markets in Niger State. They were apprehended after visiting the Izom cattle market to swindle unsuspecting traders.
Following their arrest, they were found in possession of a handcuff, 1.2 million, cut-to-size papers, liquid chemicals for counterfeiting notes, and two mobile phones.
The suspects apprehended were identified as Aliyu Abbas, 35, of Funtua, Katsina; Jibrin Idris, 35, of Gwiwa, Jigawa; Musa Ya’u of Daura, Katsina; and Abubakar Yahaya, 45.
After their arrest, some traders who visited the scene identified the suspect as the same group of people who swindled them of their cash and cattle.
Their arrest was confirmed by the spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun. He said the suspects had been under interrogation before their arrest.
Wasiu said, “On 16 April 2025, at about 3 pm, acting on credible intelligence that a syndicate of four men who specialize in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public in the various markets across the state had been sighted at the Izom cattle market and were planning to defraud an individual after selling his cattle.
“Based on this intelligence, police operatives from the Maje Division mobilized to the scene, intercepted a black Mercedes-Benz vehicle with registration number KTU 747 HF, and apprehended the suspects.
“The suspects are identified as Aliyu Abbas, 35, of Funtua, Katsina; Jibrin Idris, 35, of Gwiwa, Jigawa; Musa Ya’u of Daura, Katsina; and Abubakar Yahaya, 45.
“On interrogation, the suspects confessed to being fraudsters, even as some victims identified the syndicate as individuals who had swindled them of money and cattle at various markets.
“It was also said that at times, they do present themselves as policemen to their victims or counterfeit notes producers.
“Exhibits recovered include the sum of N1.2 million in cash, cut-to-size papers, liquid chemicals for counterfeiting notes, a handcuff, and two mobile phones.
“The suspects are currently under investigation and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of inquiries.”
