The Yobe Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested two suspected fraudsters, Mustapha Umar, 33, and Abubakar Fannami, 30, in Damaturu, the state capital.

ASC Bala Garba, the command’s public relations officer, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Damaturu.

Mr Garba said a laundry shop owner, Hassan Bulama, at about 1:00 p.m. on April 13, reported to the command that two young persons had stolen two sets of clothes.

The corps’ spokesperson said the suspects escaped, abandoning their handbag at the scene. He said the bag contained nine fake $100 notes, 14 SIM cards, 10 ATM cards, and a diary containing the names and phone numbers of about 500 people.

He said the two suspects were traced and arrested in Damaturu on April 15, while one accomplice escaped.

Mr Garba added that preliminary investigation revealed that both suspects were residents of Maiduguri who lodged at Hayas Motel, Damaturu.

He said the two confessed to producing counterfeit money for over four years.

“They voluntarily confessed that they have been making huge money from their victims.

“They scam their victims mostly using the names of spirits (aljannu),” he explained.

He said the suspects would be handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution after the completion of the investigation. 

(NAN)