The Bauchi State Police Command has successfully apprehended a 25-year-old cybercrime suspect, Umar Yau, alias "Snake," who allegedly engaged in identity theft, online fraud, and cryptocurrency scams. The suspect, a resident of Yelwan Makaranta area of Bauchi, was arrested following an extensive investigation initiated by a petition from an online businesswoman, Mrs. Fatimah Faiz Ali Bawahab.
According to the police, the suspect had been using a deceptive online identity, creating fake Facebook accounts, including one with the username "Amizeebaby Muhd," to lure unsuspecting victims into his trap. The investigation revealed that Umar Yau had been involved in cybercrime since 2019, operating multiple bank accounts, including First Bank and PalmPay, registered under the names Yau Hansatu and Umar Yau, to facilitate his illicit activities.
The suspect's modus operandi involved impersonating his victims, including Mrs. Bawahab, and soliciting payments from innocent individuals through online platforms. However, his nefarious activities came to light when several individuals reported being defrauded, leading to the petition and subsequent investigation.
The police investigation revealed that the suspect had been using various tactics to deceive his victims, including creating fake online profiles, advertising non-existent goods and services, and requesting payments through his bank accounts. Once the payments were made, the suspect would block the victims from further communication, leaving them with significant financial losses.
During the arrest, the police recovered several incriminating items, including nine ATM cards from various banks, National Identification Number (NIN) plastic cards, voter's cards, SIM cards, and a 4G MiFi device. The suspect also confessed to using his sister's academic documents without her consent to open a bank account.
The suspect's confession revealed a larger scheme of cybercrime, involving multiple victims and significant financial losses. Umar Yau confessed to defrauding approximately 40 victims through various marketing schemes, including cryptocurrency scams. The suspect's alleged crimes spanned several years, with the investigation revealing a pattern of deceit and online manipulation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, reaffirmed the command's commitment to combating cybercrime and warned the public against engaging in deceptive and criminal behaviors. "The Bauchi State Police Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of cybercrime and other forms of online fraud," he stated. "We urge the public to be vigilant and cautious when engaging in online transactions, and to report any suspicious activities to the police."
The suspect and the case have been transferred to the Kano State Police Command for further investigation and potential prosecution. The police urge anyone who may have fallen victim to the suspect's alleged scams to come forward and report their experiences.
The Bauchi State Police Command's successful operation is a testament to its commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. The command's efforts to combat cybercrime and online fraud have resulted in the arrest of several suspects, and the police will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the state remains safe and secure for all residents.
In light of this development, the police are advising the public to be aware of the dangers of online scams and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. The public is urged to verify the authenticity of online profiles and transactions, and to report any suspicious activities to the police.
By working together, the police and the public can create a safer and more secure online community, free from the scourge of cybercrime and online fraud.
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