Yobe Police Arrest Three, Recover Stolen N17 Million Vehicle in Elaborate Scam

 

The Yobe State Police Command,under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Emmanuel Ado, has announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime with the arrest of three suspects involved in an organized criminal network.

The development was disclosed in a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Yobe State Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, on Tuesday. The statement was made available to journalists in Damaturu.

According to the statement, the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters successfully investigated a case of alleged criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and extortion, leading to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

The incident began on August 2, 2025, at approximately 1100hrs, when a report was lodged by Maina Abdullahi, 37, of the Old Army Barracks Area in Potiskum. Abdullahi claimed that a Toyota Venza vehicle valued at N17 million, belonging to his elder brother, had been forcefully collected from him.

However, subsequent investigations revealed a more complex scheme. Police found that the complainant had been deceived and lured to Azare by two suspects, Mohammed Halilu Bello, 54, of Indabo Area, Damagum, Fune LGA, and Mohammed Usman, 35, of Kano State. The suspects had allegedly operated under the pretext of arranging a money-making opportunity for him.

Through what the police described as "diligent investigation and intelligence tracking," the stolen Toyota Venza was successfully recovered in Makurdi, Benue State. During the operation, law enforcement agents also recovered a stash of suspected fake dollar notes.

Commissioner of Police CP Emmanuel Ado has directed that the suspects be charged to court for prosecution. He also commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication to duty.