Police in Niger State have arrested four men accused of pretending to be police officers to cheat traders in various markets across the state. The suspects are Aliyu Abbas (35) from Funtua, Katsina; Jibrin Idris (35) from Gwiwa, Jigawa; Musa Ya’u from Daura, Katsina; and Abubakar Yahaya (45) also from Daura, Katsina.
According to the police, the group was caught on April 16, 2025, at the Izom cattle market. They were planning to trick a trader who had just sold his cattle. Acting on a tip-off, officers from Maje Division went to the scene and stopped the suspects’ black Mercedes Benz (registration number KTU 747 HF).
The suspects were found with N1.2 million in cash, fake currency materials (cut-to-size papers and chemicals used to make fake notes), handcuffs, and two phones. During questioning, they confessed to being fraudsters.
Victims have identified them as the same people who previously stole money and cattle in other markets. Sometimes, the group pretended to be police officers or makers of fake money to fool their victims.
The suspects are currently under investigation and will be taken to court soon.
