Kano police dismantle SIM card syndicate, arrest six suspects, recover ₦1.7 million

The Kano State Police Command has dismantled a SIM card fraud syndicate, arresting six suspects and recovering ₦1.7 million.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, October 5, 2025, noting that the breakthrough followed a complaint from a victim whose SIM card was stolen and over ₦5.7 million fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account.

According to Kiyawa, the suspects specialize in deceiving victims into revealing personal information such as their BVN and NIN, which they then use to open fake bank accounts for fraudulent transactions.

“The Kano State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime with the arrest of a six-member syndicate involved in SIM card fraud and bank-related scams,” the statement read.

“The operation was triggered by a complaint from one Nura Abdullahi of Kabuga Quarters, Kano, on October 28, 2025, who reported that his MTN SIM card was stolen and ₦5,750,000 was illegally withdrawn from his bank account.”

“The investigation uncovered the involvement of six accomplices who conspired to deceive victims, obtain their personal details such as BVN and NIN, and use these to open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain ATM Cards, and execute illegal transactions.

“The arrested suspects are: i. Mubarak Saleh, 25, of Rimin Auzinawa Quarters, Kano. ii. Babangida Lawan, 30, of Kabuga Quarters, Kano. iii. Ahmad Shehu Adamu, 36, of Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano. iv. Ezra Titus, 43, of Sabongari Quarters, Kano. v. Abubakar Abdullahi Abdul, 37, of Giginyu Quarters, Kano. vi. Ahmad Abdullahi, 26 years old, of Kabuga Quarters Kano.

“During the operation, six mobile phones and the sum of one million seven hundred thousand naira (N1,700,000) were recovered from the suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, commended the efforts of the investigating team for its professionalism and swift action. He also calls on residents of Kano State to remain vigilant and cautious of fraudsters who deceive innocent people into divulging sensitive personal details, including their BVN and NIN.

“The Command assures the public that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, especially the financial security of all residents.”