The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended two suspected ringleaders accused of operating a fraudulent scheme in which unsuspecting customers were allegedly sold dummy mobile phones disguised as genuine devices.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Suleiman Nguroje.
According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Audu Abubakar and Nasiru Hassan, both reside on Bauchi Street in Yola North Local Government Area and are believed to be coordinating a network of agents involved in the sale of counterfeit phones across different parts of the state.
The police said the suspects were taken into custody after receiving multiple complaints from victims who realised that the phones they had purchased were non-functional replicas rather than genuine working devices.
“Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested two suspects for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting customers by selling them dummy phones instead of original working devices,” the statement read.
During the operation, police officers reportedly recovered several fake mobile phones believed to have been used in the fraudulent business, along with other items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Although the exact number of recovered devices was not disclosed, investigators said the exhibits would assist in uncovering the full scope of the suspected criminal network.
The command explained that preliminary findings indicate the suspects allegedly relied on a distribution network of agents to market and sell the counterfeit phones to unsuspecting buyers.
The police have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as investigations continue to identify other members of the syndicate.
Nguroje disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State, Kabiru Hassan, has directed investigators to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the suspects.
He stated that the police would ensure the suspects are prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspects be thoroughly investigated and charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.
The police command also advised members of the public to exercise greater caution when purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices.
It urged residents to patronise only authorised and accredited phone dealers to minimise the risk of falling victim to fraudulent transactions.
The command further encouraged buyers to inspect and test every device before completing payment and to always request official receipts as proof of purchase.
“Customers are advised to test devices thoroughly and demand receipts before making payment,” the statement said.
The police reiterated their commitment to tackling fraud and protecting consumers from criminal activities, while urging residents to promptly report suspicious dealers or fraudulent business practices to the nearest police station.
