A 30-year-old man, Hanif Muhammad Umar, has been taken into custody by the Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over an alleged fake bank transfer used to obtain a vehicle valued at N7 million.
Officials of the corps displayed the suspect and the recovered car to journalists at the command headquarters over the weekend.
According to the commandās Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusuf, the arrest followed a complaint filed by the victim, who alleged that the suspect used a fabricated bank alert to complete payment for the vehicle.
Yusuf explained that Umar was apprehended on February 22, 2026, in Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State after security operatives launched an investigation into the report.
He stated that the suspect would be charged with offences related to cybercrime and breach of trust once investigations are concluded.
The NSCDC spokesman warned youths against engaging in internet-related fraud and other criminal activities, adding that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly notify security agencies of suspicious financial dealings or other activities within their communities.
This is as the command reiterated its determination to combat cyber-enabled fraud and ensure the protection of citizens from financial scams.
While speaking with journalists, the suspect said he studied Computer Science, claiming that knowledge gained from a cybersecurity course enabled him to generate the fake transaction alert.
He further alleged that his plan was to sell the vehicle and later return the money to the owner, an explanation security officials dismissed as an attempt to justify the act.
Umar, however, appealed to the victim for forgiveness, promising not to be involved in such conduct again.
NSCDC arrests suspect over fake bank alert scam in Bauchi
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